Corneal endothelial cells change in different stages of keratoconus
https://doi.org/10.21516/2072-0076-2026-19-2-36-42
Abstract
Purpose. To evaluate the changes in morphology and total endothelial count in patients with different stages of keratoconus (KC). Material and methods. A cross-sectional study included 564 eyes of KC patients (57.8% males and 42.2% females) aged 19.9 ± 6.5 years. Study was conducted at the Cornea and Refractive Surgery department of Alshifa trust eye hospital Rawalpindi. Galilei (G4) Dual Scheimpflug Analyzer and specular microscopy (Tomey EM-4000) were used for all eyes examination. KC eyes were classified according to Amsler classification into stage 1, 2 ,3 and 4. Results. There was statistically significant difference in endothelial cell density (p < 0.001) and coefficient of variation (p = 0.001) between different stages of KC eyes. Regarding cell surface area and cell morphology, there was statistically significant difference between different stages of KC eyes (p < 0.001). Conclusions. Significant changes were seen in endothelial cell count and morphology of eyes by using specular microscopy. For stages 1 and 2 KC, these changes are mild but the endothelium in stage 3 and 4 shows significant changes regarding polymegathism and pleomorphism.
Supporting agencies: Authors like to express their gratitude for the general support and encouragement they received during the preparation of this article.
About the Authors
R. S. Bhatti
Pakistan Institute of Ophthalmology, Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital
Pakistan
Pakistan
Rabia S. Bhatti — Ophthalmic Corneal Surgeon, Department of Cornea and Refractive Surgery.
Rawalpindi, 4600
S. Khan
Pakistan Institute of Ophthalmology, Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital
Pakistan
Pakistan
Shama Khan — Ophthalmic Corneal Surgeon, Department of Cornea and Refractive Surgery.
Rawalpindi, 4600
H. Mansoor
Pakistan Institute of Ophthalmology, Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital
Pakistan
Pakistan
Hassan Mansoor — Ophthalmic Corneal Surgeon, Department of Cornea and Refractive Surgery.
Rawalpindi, 4600
A. Maqbool
Pakistan Institute of Ophthalmology, Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital
Pakistan
Pakistan
Aunaza Maqbool — Pediatric ophthalmologist, Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology.
Rawalpindi, 4600
R. Zafar
Pakistan Institute of Ophthalmology, Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital
Pakistan
Pakistan
Rabeeah Zafar — Pediatric ophthalmologist, Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology.
Rawalpindi, 4600
R. Faheem
Pakistan Institute of Ophthalmology, Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital
Pakistan
Pakistan
Rabia Faheem — Optometrist.
Rawalpindi, 4600
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Review
For citations:
Bhatti R.S., Khan S., Mansoor H., Maqbool A., Zafar R., Faheem R. Corneal endothelial cells change in different stages of keratoconus. Russian Ophthalmological Journal. 2026;19(2):36-42. https://doi.org/10.21516/2072-0076-2026-19-2-36-42
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