[Late results of endothelial cell loss after cataract surgery].

PURPOSE: To evaluate endothelial cell loss rate after cataract surgery in 5 years-long period.

MATERIAL AND METHOD: The studied group comprised 115 patients (66 females and 49 males) who had undergone senile and presenile cataract surgery. Mean age was 60 years (SD = 90). In 60 patients extracapsular cataract extraction and in 55 phacoemulsification have been performed. Mean central corneal thickness was measured before and 2 days after cataract surgery. Mean central endothelial cell density was assessed preoperatively, as well as 1, 3, 6 months and 2, 5 years after operation.

RESULTS

Mean endothelial cell loss was: 76% 1 month after surgery, and 97% 3 months, 110% 6 months, 124% 2 years, 140% 5 years postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Enhanced endothelial cell loss could be observed even 2 years after surgery. 5 years postoperatively physiological loss rate is attained. Initial postoperative increase in central corneal thickness is an important marker of subsequent endothelial cell loss.