 What is it?
Endothelial cell density is a measurement of number of cells per square millimeter of corneal endothelium. The endothelium is the innermost layer of the cornea that regulates corneal water content, and the cornea is responsible for a large portion of our eyes focusing power. A damaged cornea interferes with good vision.
Why do I need this test?
Endothelial cell counts are performed routinely in this office on patients preparing to undergo cataract surgery along with keratometry readings and an A-scan. The keratometry readings and A-scan are helpful in determining the lens implant power. The purpose of the endothelial cell count is assessing the general health of the corneal endothelium and its potential far being de-compensated after cataract surgery.
What does it mean?
A low endothelial cell count alerts the doctor to a potential problem that could impact the effectiveness of the cataract surgery and in some cases may require a corneal graft called a keratoplasty. A keratoplasty requires the patient tolerate an additional surgery.
What is a keratoplasty?
A keratoplasty is a transplant of a donor cornea that replaces the diseased or scarred cornea. Corneal transplants are common in the United States-) about 40,000 are performed each year. The chances of success of this operation has risen dramatically because of technological advances and have restored site to many who, a generation ago, would have been blinded permanently by corneal injury, infection, or inherited conical disease or degeneration.
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