DR. ANKITA SINGH

DR. JAYA KAUSHIK, DR. ERAM RIYAZ, DR. ANARGH V

Abstract

Objective:To compare the changes in corneal endothelium post COVID-19 infectionwith normal population.Method:129 patients COVID-19 recovered, and 123 age-matched healthy controls were included. Endothelial parameters like Cell Density, Coefficient of Variation (CV), Cell hexagonality, Average cell area (MCA)and mean Central Corneal Thickness (CCT) (μm) were evaluated with a non-contact specular microscope.Results:The mean (SD) of CV(%) in the study group was (RE) 37.75 (6.03), (LE) 36.25 (4.66) and in control group was (RE) 35.23 (3.75), (LE) 34.77 (3.64). The mean (SD) of hexagonality(%) in the study group was (RE) 47.33 (6.84), 48.45 (7.33) and in control group was (RE):56.73 (4.13), (LE) 56.21 (5.34).Conclusion: The evaluation of the COVID-19 recovered patients revealed a decrease in the hexagonality of the endothelial cells and an increase in the cell size. Specular microscopic examination can be done to assess such earliest changes in corneal endothelium