Background: The endothelium of cornea is most essential for maintaining corneal transparency and deturgescence. Although laser procedures are relatively safe, there is potential for long-term risk of corneal decompensation. Hence, assessing the effect of various laser procedures and parameters on the corneal endothelium may help us reduce such corneal complications in future procedures
Materials and Methods: The present study was a prospective observational study carried out among adult patients attending a tertiary care hospital in Bangalore. All patients undergoing ophthalmic laser procedures such as Pan-retinal photocoagulation and Nd-YAG capsulotomy in our institute were considered for the study. Pre laser procedure assessment of corneal endothelial cell density was measured. The post procedural follow up was done on 1st day, 1st week, 1st month and at 6th months to assess the effect of laser procedure on corneal endothelium.
Results: A total of 63 patients were enrolled in the study of which 34 patients (54%) were less than 65 years of age and men constituted almost two-third of the subjects (40 cases, 63.5%) with a mean age of 62.3 years. 55 cases were treated with Nd:YAG capsulotomy for posterior capsular opacity. In the present study we observed statistically significant variation in corneal endothelium changes namely the coefficient of variation in both procedures (Nd:YAG and PRP) with p values of <0>
Conclusion: The present study further reinforces previous studies regarding safety profile of laser procedures on corneal endothelium. There is a need to counsel the patients regarding safety and side effects of these procedures.
Keywords: Ophthalmic laser procedures, Corneal endothelium, Corneal cell density, Nd:YAG, Panretinal photocoagulation.
