Corneal Endothelial Cell Density Reduction: a Complication of Retinal Photocoagulation with an Indirect Ophthalmoscopy Contact Lens

Purpose: To investigate the influence of retinal photocoagulation with an indirect ophthalmoscopy contact lens on corneal endothelial cells.

Methods: Seventeen eyes of 17 patients were evaluated, and corneal endothelial cells were measured twice: just before retinal photocoagulation using an indirect ophthalmoscopy contact lens and 33.2 +/- 10.2 days after surgery.

Results: A statistically significant reduction was found in corneal endothelial cell numbers before versus after surgery (P = 0.0003).

Conclusion: Our results show corneal endothelial cells to be decreased by retinal photocoagulation with an indirect ophthalmoscopy contact lens. When a patient with a low corneal endothelial cell density receives retinal photocoagulation using an indirect contact lens, it is important to be aware of the potential for further loss.