Gender based studies of corneal endothelial cell count.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to find out the difference of endothelial cell count of human cornea between genders (male, female).and to investigate whether there is any correlation between age, gender, endothelial cell count and endothelial cell morphology in healthy subjects.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHOD: Specular bio microscopy was done in 120 eyes of 60 normal persons from age group between 15 to 35 years. Endothelial cell count, endothelial cell morphology and central corneal thickness was measured. These were finally analyzed in relation to the male /female gender and age.

RESULT: Mean endothelial cell count was 2088 ± 169.0 cells per mm² in right eye of male and was 2165 ± 230.2 cells per mm² in right eye of female. Mean endothelial cell count was 2133 ± 362.3 cells per mm² in left eye of male and was 2185 ± 268.1 cells per mm² in left eye of female. The difference found was not significant between genders. Independent sample t-test (p=0.142) for right eye and independent sample t-test (p=0.528) for left eye. There was insignificant relation found between gender and age. Independent sample t-test (p=0.156). That was proved statistically that there was significant increase in endothelial cell density with age between 15 to 35 years. Right eye (r=0.05) and left eye (r=0.1) .There is no significant change in morphology between genders, the cells are hexagonal in all aged (15 to 35).

CONCLUSION: In a sample of 120 eyes of 60 volunteers in both genders, we found statistically insignificant difference in endothelial cell density between genders. A significant increase in endothelial cell count with age between 15 to 35 years was noted.