Effect of Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis on Endothelial Cell Count

Background: LASIK is a popular refractive surgery for correcting myopia, but its impact on endothelial cell count (ECC) remains uncertain, with potential implications for corneal health.Objective: To determine the effect of LASIK on ECC in myopic patients.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, from January to July 2023. A total of 178 myopic patients (38.76% males, 61.24% females; mean age 25.21 ± 8.19 years) underwent LASIK. Baseline and post-procedural ECC were measured using specular microscopy at one week, one month, and three months post-LASIK. Central corneal thickness (CCT) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were also assessed. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, with paired t-tests for comparisons and significance set at p ≤ 0.05.Results: Mean ECC decreased from 2897.49 ± 93.52 cells/mm² at baseline to 2892.36 ± 94.21 cells/mm² at one week, 2846.65 ± 93.80 cells/mm² at one month, and 2811.10 ± 90.66 cells/mm² at three months post-LASIK (p < 0.001). Mean CCT also significantly decreased at all time points (p < 0.001).Conclusion: LASIK significantly reduces ECC, highlighting the need for careful postoperative monitoring of corneal health.