Study of Endothelial Cell Count in Patients after Penetrating Keratoplasty by Clinical Specular Microscope

Title To study the endothelial cell count in patients after penetrating keratoplasty by clinical specular microscope. Purpose To analyse postoperative endothelial cell density (ECD) and its rate of decline postoperatively after one week, one month, 3 months and 6 months following penetrating keratoplasty. To study the various factors associated with the decrease in endothelial cell loss for better postoperative outcome. Materials and Methods A prospective, observational study was carried out on 50 adult patients admitted for penetrating keratoplasty having various corneal pathologies. Pre-operative history taking, assessment of visual acuity, detailed anterior segment examination including intraocular pressure and preoperative endothelial cell count was attempted in all the patients. A penetrating keratoplasty was done in all the patients and the patients were followed up on post-operative first week, first month, third month and sixth month. Results There was a significant Endothelial Cell Count (ECC) loss post a major procedure like Penetrating keratoplasty ranging from 6.45 % to 15.47 % at the end of 6 months when compared to the annual 0.6 % loss of ECC in normal eyes. Conclusion Re grafts/re-penetrating keratoplasties show a larger margin of ECC loss. Grafts of donors