Corneal endothelial cell density reduction: a complication of retinal photocoagulation with an indirect ophthalmoscopy contact lens

. Purpose:  To investigate the influence of retinal photocoagulation with an indirect ophthalmoscopy contact lens on corneal endothelial cells. Methods:  Seventeen eyes of 17 patients were evaluated, and corneal endothelial cells were measured twice: just before retinal photocoagulation using an indirect ophthalmoscopy contact lens and 33.2 ± 10.2 days after surgery. Results:  A statistically significant reduction was found in corneal endothelial cell numbers before versus after surgery (P = 0.0003). Conclusion:  Our results show corneal endothelial cells to be decreased by retinal photocoagulation with an indirect ophthalmoscopy contact lens. When a patient with a low corneal endothelial cell density receives retinal photocoagulation using an indirect contact lens, it is important to be aware of the potential for further loss.