Comparison of anterior segment parameters, corneal endothelial cell density, and coefficient of variation in COVID-19 and healthy groups

A total of 34 cases and 34 healthy individuals were included in this study. The patient group had a history of COVID-19 infection and hospitalization. They underwent full optometric examinations on their right eye, which included, autorefractometry, retinoscopy, ophthalmoscopy, slit lamp, and examinations with specular microscope and Pentacam devices. The average corneal endothelial cell density was 2503.78±311.76 in the patient group and 2831.72±276.65 in the healthy group, which indicated a significant decrease in the patient group, compared to the healthy group. There was a significant difference in the endothelial cell density between the two groups (P<0.001). Moreover, the coefficient of variation of cells was 36.63 in the healthy group and 37.00 in the patient group, which was raised. No significant differences were observed in the other anterior segment parameters, such as the central corneal thickness, anterior chamber angle, keratometry, corneal horizontal diameter, and pupil diameter (P>0.05). Individuals who have previously overcome COVID-19 experienced a reduction in the corneal endothelial cell density and an increase in cell coefficient of variation, as revealed by tests using a specular microscope and Pentacam devices. These findings could contribute to our comprehension of the systemic impacts of COVID-19 on the body.