Reduction in endothelial cell density following cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation.

Comparison of endothelial cell density by specular photomicroscopy of the right and left eyes after single eye surgery shows a similar reduction in endothelial cell density to that recorded between pre- and postoperative photographs in the operated eye. A review of 43 single-eye cataract extractions, with and without placement of a prepupillary intraocular lens, confirms that the major cause of endothelial cell loss is operative trauma to the endothelium. In our experience a cataract extraction with lens implantation but without endothelial contact produces no greater reduction in cell density than the cataract extraction alone.