Pathology of the corneal endothelium.

Clinical specular microscopy has indicated that human cell healing occurs by spreading, there is a limited healing reserve, and premature cell loss is the equivalent of a "premature aging" that may lead to later decompensation. This instrument has been useful in studying healing and cell damage from surgery, drugs, and special procedures such as intraocular lens insertion. It pointed out extensive cell loss at the time of intraocular lens insertion, and subsequent studies have indicated that at least part of this cell loss may be due to the methacrylate surface of the lens. Laboratory studies suggest that coating that surface can prevent this component of cell loss. The magnitude of benefits to be found from such coating requires further clinical study.