Evaluation of endothelial function in postkeratoplasty eyes
Saini, J.S.; Mittal, S.; Jain, A.K.
Ophthalmic Surgery and Lasers 29(4): 300-304
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 1082-3069 PMID: 9571662 Document Number: 490473
To evaluate corneal endothelium function in postkeratoplasty eyes. Endothelial function was assessed in 23 clear corneal grafts. After a measurable corneal edema was induced by soft contact lens wear, serial pachometric readings were taken for 3 hours to arrive at the percentage recovery per hour (PRPH) index. The assessed PRPH values of the clear corneal grafts ranged from 24.6% to 73.0%, with a mean value of 51.8% +/- 12.2%. Of the six corneal grafts that demonstrated an initial PRPH value of less than 47.5%, four became edematous within 6 months of follow-up. Assessed PRPH, as an in vivo-measured index of endothelial function, is a valuable method for monitoring endothelial function in postkeratoplasty eyes. The low PRPH index identifies eyes at risk of spontaneous nonimmunologic failures.