A cell membrane theory of endothelial repair and vertical cell loss after cataract surgery.

Endothelial cell counts were taken of the superior, central and inferior corneas of controls, immediate post-operative cases and a four year post-operative case. A vertical mean cell density was found to correlate well with central densities, and mean vertical cell loss (42%) compared well with central cell loss (44%). There was no trend for vertical cell disparity (VCD) in control eye, but a definite disparity was seen in all post-operative eyes, including the one four years after surgery. A cell membrane stimulus theory is proposed for endothelial cell reparation after endothelial damage describing cessation of cell migration once the defect is covered.