The correlation between central corneal thickness and endothelial cells in healthy patients and in patients with cataract or primary open angle glaucoma

Abstract

AbstractPurpose To compare the endothelial cells parameters and central corneal thickness (CCT) in four different groups of patients, to find the correlation between the corneal endothelial cell density (ECD) and the cell size, percentage of regular hexagonal cells, CCT and age in all four groups.Methods All patients (104 eyes) were devided into 4 groups: patients with cataract, with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), young healthy people and older healthy people. Specular microscopy was performed, endothelial cells parameters were analyzed (ECD, the percentage of regular hexagonal cells), CCT was measured.Results There were 47 (45%) male, 57 (55%) female. Average age was 59 (± 23.8) years. In the POAG group average CCT was 553 (± 32) µm, ECD 2484 (± 482) cell/mm2, hexagonal cells 60% (± 10%). In the cataract group CCT was 540 (± 64) µm, ECD was 2633 (± 430) cell/mm2, hexagonal cells 60% (± 10%). In young healthy subjects average CCT was 555 (± 43) µm, ECD 2940 (± 345) cell/mm2, hexagonal cells 66% (± 10%), in the older healthy patients group average CCT was 545 (± 39) µm, ECD 2394 (± 416) cell/mm2, hexagonal cells 64% (± 10%).Conclusion The ECD is higher in thicker corneas. In young subjects ECD was higher than in elderly patients. In males the percentage of regular hexagonal cells was higher than in females. There was no statistically significant difference in CCT and ECD between the gender. We have found very weak statistically significant direct relationship between ECD and CCT. There was no statistically significant difference in CCT and percentage of hexagonal cells in corneal endothelium in all groups.