Pterygium is related to a decrease in corneal endothelial cell density

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between pterygium and a decrease in the corneal endothelial cell density (ECD) in patients with unilateral primary pterygium. METHODS: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, 90 consecutive patients with unilateral primary pterygium were enrolled from January 2010 to June 2012. Corneal ECD was measured in both eyes, and the fellow eyes were considered as controls. The relationship between the percentage of pterygium to cornea and a decrease in the ECD was analyzed. An increase in astigmatism in eyes with pterygium was evaluated for association with decreased ECD using the Pearson correlation test. RESULTS: The percentage of pterygium to cornea ranged from 3.5% to 65.2%, with a median of 12.35%. The difference in the corneal ECD between eyes with pterygium and control eyes ranged from +9.6% to -37.7%, with a median of -9.75%. The results of the Pearson correlation statistical test showed a strong logarithmic correlation between a decrease in the corneal ECD and the percentage of pterygium to cornea (R = 0.688, P < 0.001). An increase in astigmatism was correlated with a decrease in the ECD in eyes with pterygium. CONCLUSIONS: Pterygium is related to a decrease in corneal ECD. Surgical intervention should be considered in patients with extensive pterygium involvement in the cornea or a significant increase in astigmatism.