FP32

Corneal Endothelial Alterations in Myopia versus Emmetropia: A Specular Microscopy Study

Study Design: Cross-sectional analytical study

Purpose: To compare corneal endothelial parameters in myopic vs emmetropic eyes.

Methods: 160 subjects (18–30 years) were divided into emmetropia (n=80; −0.25 to +0.25 D) and myopia (n=80; ≤−0.50 D). Specular microscopy assessed ECD, CV, hexagonality, and CCT. p<0.05 was significant.

Results:
Emmetropic eyes showed higher ECD (~2800 ±150 vs ~2600 ±180 cells/mm²), lower CV (~32 ±3% vs ~36 ±4%), and greater hexagonality (~55 ±5% vs ~48 ±6%) compared to myopic eyes (p<0.05), indicating increased polymegathism and pleomorphism in myopia. ECD and hexagonality declined with increasing myopia severity. Central corneal thickness remained comparable between groups..
Conclusion: Myopia is associated with subtle yet progressive endothelial compromise. Specular microscopy is a vital tool for early detection, enhancing preoperative assessment and surgical outcomes.