CORNEAL ENDOTHELIAL CELL DENISTY AND MORPHOLOGY IN LOW AND HIGH MYOPIC EYES IN ADULT EGYPTIAN PATIENTS

Abstract

The corneal endothelium is a non-regenerative monolayer of hexagonal cells that plays a vital role in maintaining corneal transparency by regulating stromal hydration. Corneal endothelial cell density (ECD) and morphological characteristics, including the coefficient of variation (CV) and hexagonality (HEX), serve as key indicators of endothelial health. High myopia, defined as a refractive error of ≥-6.00 diopters and excessive axial elongation, has been associated with structural changes in the eye, potentially leading to endothelial dysfunction. Previous research suggests that high myopia may reduce ECD and alter endothelial morphology due to mechanical stress from globe elongation; however, findings have varied across different populations. Given the need for region-specific data, this study aimed to evaluate corneal endothelial parameters in Egyptian adults with low and high myopia, addressing gaps in the existing literature. AIM OF THE WORK:The primary objective of this study was to compare corneal endothelial cell density (ECD), coefficient of variation (CV), and hexagonality (HEX) between Egyptian adults with low myopia (