Algorithms accurately estimate endothelial cell density after cataract surgery

Two algorithms available on a noncontact specular microscope were capable of accurately assessing corneal endothelial cell density after cataract surgery, a German study found. Greater variability was seen in the early postoperative period than later, and more in the paracentral than central cornea, according to the study authors.

Christopher Wirbelauer, MD, and colleagues prospectively studied 62 patients undergoing cataract surgery to evaluate possible variations in estimation of corneal endothelial cell density. Cell densities were determined preoperatively and postoperatively using a noncontact specular microscope. The endothelial cell density in the central and paracentral cornea was consecutively determined using two algorithms. Postop evaluations were performed at 1 day, 4 weeks and 6 months after surgery.

In the paracentral cornea, the group-averaged accuracy was –17.3 cells/mm²; in the central cornea it was -19.4 cells/mm². After cataract surgery, a slight decrease in accuracy was noted in the central and paracentral areas, the researchers said. The relative error increased from 3.66% to 6.02% centrally and from 4.96% to 6.55% paracentrally.

In the later postoperative period, endothelial stabilization improved the accuracy and agreement in the endothelial cell density estimation, the study authors said.

The study is published in the March issue of Cornea.