[The loss of endothelial cells after perforating keratoplasty--clinical study].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To determine endothelial cell loss rate after penetrating keratoplasty. To determine for low long this rate remain high.

MATERIAL AND METHOD: We have three groups of patients. First group consists of 15 patients without ophthalmic pathology. The second group consists of 15 patients, after cataract surgery. The Third group consists of 20 patients after penetrating keratoplasty, 10 of them with edematous keratoplasty and 10 with keratoconus or central leucoma. Every patient was examined with direct specular microscopy, after 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 months.

RESULTS

In the first group we can't determine an endothelial cell loss. In the second group the endothelial cell loss was 4% per month, 5.9% per month, then the value become normal. In the third endothelial cell was continuous within all intervals.

CONCLUSIONS

After penetrating keratoplasty there is a significant endothelial cell loss that continues over 18 month.