Evaluation and protection of corneal endothelium.

A series of experiments was performed in vitro, on animal and human corneas, and in vivo, on monkeys and rabbits, to test the efficacy of various substances which may be used as coatings for intraocular lenses to protect the corneal endothelium from damage. The vital dye, acid violet 49, was applied to evaluate endothelial cell function and damage. Our results indicate that chondroitin sulphate is far superior to other substances tested in preventing endothelial damage due to intraocular lens contact. Acid violet 49 is very sensitive in detecting endothelial cell damage, and the intensity of cellular staining with acid violet 49 correlates well with the degree of endothelial cell damage.