Surv OphthalmolNovember 201788 citations

Glaucoma-associated corneal endothelial cell damage: A review.

Janson Ben J, Alward Wallace L, Kwon Young H, Bettis Daniel I, Fingert John H, Provencher Lorraine M, Goins Kenneth M, Wagoner Michael D, Greiner Mark A

View on PubMed DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2017.11.002

AI Summary

Glaucoma, its treatments, and related factors damage corneal endothelial cells, impairing corneal clarity. Understanding this is crucial for preserving vision in glaucoma patients.

Abstract

The corneal endothelium is critical in maintaining a healthy and clear cornea. Corneal endothelial cells have a significant reserve function, but preservation of these cells is paramount as they have limited regenerative capacity. Glaucoma is a prevalent disease, and damage to the corneal endothelium may be caused by the disease process itself as well as by its treatment. The mechanisms involved in glaucoma-associated damage to the corneal endothelium need further investigation. Understanding how glaucoma and glaucoma surgery impact the endothelium is important for protecting corneal clarity and visual acuity in all glaucoma patients, including those undergoing corneal transplant. We will discuss a range of identified factors that may impact corneal endothelial cell health in glaucoma, including intraocular pressure, glaucoma medications, surgical glaucoma management, mechanical forces, and alterations in the aqueous environment.

MeSH Terms

Antihypertensive AgentsAqueous HumorCorneal Endothelial Cell LossFiltering SurgeryGlaucomaHumansIntraocular Pressure

Shields Classification

Ch. 16Glaucomas Associated with Disorders of the Corneal Endothelium

Ch. 28Principles of Medical Therapy for Glaucoma

Ch. 40Filtering Surgery

Key Concepts5

Damage to the corneal endothelium may be caused by the glaucoma disease process itself as well as by its treatment.

PrognosisReviewn=Not applicableCh16

Understanding how glaucoma and glaucoma surgery impact the endothelium is important for protecting corneal clarity and visual acuity in all glaucoma patients, including those undergoing corneal transplant.

PrognosisReviewn=Not applicableCh16Ch28

Factors that may impact corneal endothelial cell health in glaucoma include intraocular pressure, glaucoma medications, surgical glaucoma management, mechanical forces, and alterations in the aqueous environment.

MechanismReviewn=Not applicableCh3Ch16Ch29

The corneal endothelium is critical in maintaining a healthy and clear cornea.

MechanismReviewn=Not applicableCh16

Corneal endothelial cells have a significant reserve function but have limited regenerative capacity, making their preservation paramount.