1. Diminished Endothelial Cell Counts in Corneas with Recurrent Erosions
Authors: Tod M. Haller1, Chad B. Haller2, Melvin L. Haller1, Judah Beck3, Keith Haller4
1 Ophthalmology, Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center, Bronx, NY; 2 Ophthalmology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY; 3 Howard University School of medicine; 4 New York College of Osteopathic Medicine
There are no financial interests among any of the authors

2. Purpose
To determine if there is any relationship between recurrent corneal erosions and corneal endothelial cell counts.

3. Methods
A retrospective study was performed on 7 patients with recurrent corneal erosions.
Corneal endothelial cell counts were performed on both eyes, although each patient had recurrent corneal erosions in one eye only.
The Konan SP-4000US Specular Microscope was used to photograph and calculate the corneal endothelial cell density of each eye.
Corneas were grouped based on patient age. The mean endothelial cell count of each age group was then compared to data previously published for age-matched controls.

4. Normal Endothelium
Mild Endothelial Cell Loss
Moderate Endothelial Cell Loss
Severe Endothelial Cell Loss

5. Results
Patients with recurrent corneal erosions exhibited significantly lower corneal endothelial cell counts in both eyes as compared to the normal range of aged-matched controls.
Corneal endothelial cell loss ranged from 44.95% to 62.82% with a mean percentage loss of 53.29%.

6. Endothelial Cell Counts
Age

7. Conclusion
Corneal endothelial cell counts in patients with recurrent erosions in one eye, are significantly decreased in both eyes, as compared to the normal ranges of age-matched controls. Thus, the presence of diminished corneal endothelial cell densities may be a risk factor for the development of recurrent corneal erosions.

8. References
“Effect of age on the endothelial cell count in the normal eye.” R S Wilson and M J Roper-Hall. British Journal of Ophthalmology August; 66(8): 513–515.