Behavior of corneal endothelial density over a lifetime

Purpose. To define a behavioral model of corneal endothelial density over a lifetime, determine its values, construct a graphic representation, and sh ow the probabilities of occurrence using modified prognosis ranges. Setting. A private clinic in Brazil. Methods. This retrospective study comprised 784 corneal specular microscopy examinations without regard to race, sex, or age and without a history or pathologies that would alter the endothelium. Endothelial density results w ere grouped by decades according to patient age. Projections of mean densit ies and standard deviations by decade were calculated by adjusting the mode l by variable. The probability of occurrence of the endothelial densities w as calculated (P < .05). Results. The endothelial density over time followed a decreasing linear mod el (correlation coefficient -0.993). As the endothelial density decreased, the standard deviation tended to increase. The probability of occurrence of an endothelial density of less than 2000 cells/mm(2) was higher from the s eventh decade on. Conclusions: Knowing the representative values of endothelial density and t he probabilities of occurrence over a lifetime can help surgeons determine the risk to the comea of anterior segment surgery. It can also be useful in following eyes with disease affecting the endothelium and in preparing and evaluating corneal specular microscopy reports. (C) 2001 ASCRS and ESCRS.