The optical density of the cornea at the stage of secondary endothelium-epithelium dystrophy

Abstract

Background. Research objective is an informative value of selective optical density of the cornea (ODC) according to Scheimpflug-densitometry at stages of the endothelial-epithelial dystrophy (EED). Methods. 30 patients (30 eyes) with unilateral secondary EED were examined, which developed after 3-6 months after implantation of intraocular lenses. We conducted traditional ophthalmologic investigation, measuring the optical density ofthe corneal and pachymetry with the analyzer WaveLight Oculyzer (USA), and also a determination the density of endothelial cells with the microscope TomeyEM-300 (Germany). Based Scheimpflug densitometry based selective indices (grafts) ODC were evaluated: endothelium-descemetostromal (100 micron internal), stromal and epithelial (100 micron outside). Results. Increase ODC was indicated in all patients at all stages of disease progress. Earlier increase ODC was defined compared with the thickness of the cornea according to pachymetry at the stromal stage. When densitometry Sheympflyug images maximum ODC recorded in a 100 micron outer epithelial grafts at each stage of the progression of EED. Conclusions. Increase of total optic density of the cornea index in 2 times and selective optic density of internal 100 micron graft of the cornea index in 1.5 times are the diagnostic criteria of the decompensation of barrier and the pumping function of the endothelium, and are topographometric criteria of subclinical development of chronic corneal edema.