Study of changes in corneal endothelial cell characteristics in dry eye disease

Corneal endothelial cells, vital for maintaining transparency and unable to regenerate, compensate for cell loss by enlarging adjacent cells, which leads to increased size and varying morphology with age. This study emphasizes how dry eye affects these cells, stressing the need to address this frequently neglected condition. This cross-sectional study explored alterations in corneal endothelial cell characteristics among 33 individuals with dry eye disease (DED) compared to 33 age- and gender-matched controls, aged between 18 and 78 years. Participants underwent comprehensive ophthalmic evaluations, and various grades of DED were diagnosed using the Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire, Tear Meniscus Height measurement, Tear Film Break-Up Time test, Schirmer’s I test, and Lissamine Green staining and endothelium cells were assessed for endothelial cell density (ECD), cell morphology and central corneal thickness (CCT) by specular microscopy. Compared to the control group (57.73±8), the average cell morphology showed significant changes in individuals with moderate DED (52±9) with p=0.0497, and in those with severe DED (49±7) with p=0.004. Additionally, Central Corneal Thickness (CCT) was notably lower in the severe DED group (485±32 µm) with p=0.002 as compared to control group (533±34 µm). The mean ECD was lower in severe DED patients compared to controls, but not statistically significantly. The research found a correlation between DED severity and corneal endothelial cell characteristics. Severe DED leads to significant morphological alterations and reduced CCT. These findings highlight DED's impact on corneal cells, emphasizing early detection and intervention for preserving corneal health and improving intraocular surgery outcomes.