Specular microscopy or endothelial cell count

Specular microscopy or endothelial cell count is an ophthalmic test used to assess the health of the layer of endothelial cells, which covers the posterior surface of the cornea.

The cornea is the transparent layer which covers the iris and the pupil. It is responsible for focusing the light that comes into the eye. The layer of endothelial cells is important as it helps to keep corneal transparency while pumping liquid out of the cornea.

A specialized microscope is used during the test. It has a camera that produces imaging of endothelial cells in the cornea. Such imaging is used to determine the number of endothelial cells present, and to assess their size and shape. The number of these cells may be an indicator of corneal health, and capability to keep transparency.

Cell count is useful to assess corneal health in a variety of situations, such as before eye surgery, after eye trauma, or to monitor the progress of diseases such as glaucoma and diabetes. It is also used to determine if a given cornea is fit for donation.

Specular microscopy or endothelial cell count is used to assess corneal health both before and after eye surgeries, such as the ones for cataracts and glaucoma. It is also used to assess corneal health in patients with chronic ocular diseases, such as glaucoma, diabetes, keratoconus, and others which affect corneal health.

Besides, it helps to determine if one cornea is fit for donation. A low cell recount shows dysfunctional endothelial cells, and this may affect the quality and durability of any given transplantation.

• Be at the information counter 30 minutes before the appointment.
• Bring a copy of your medical record.
• Remove contact lenses according to medical guidelines (if they are soft, 8 days before the procedure; if they are hard, 1 month before).