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Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate anterior segment parameters, corneal endothelial cell density (ECD), and the coefficient of variation (CV) of endothelial cells in patients who had recovered from COVID-19 compared to healthy individuals. The right eyes of 34 patients (mean age 44.97 ± 6.74 years; range 25 to 55 years) who had been hospitalized with COVID-19 and had a negative PCR test at least two months prior were examined. A comprehensive optometric evaluation was performed, including autorefraction, retinoscopy, ophthalmoscopy, slit-lamp examination, and assessments using Topcon Specular and  Oculus Pentacam devices. The control group consisted of 34 healthy individuals (mean age 44.71 ± 4.65 years) who had tested negative for COVID-19 via PCR at least three times over the past two years. Both groups had a history of COVID-19 vaccination. The mean corneal endothelial cell density was significantly lower in the patient group (2503.78±311.76 cells/mm²) compared to the healthy group (2710.04±184.93 cells/mm²; P = 0.005). The coefficient of variation of endothelial cells was slightly higher in the patient group (37.30 ± 5.31) than in controls (36.20 ± 4.08), but this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.451). Other anterior segment parameters, such as central corneal thickness, anterior chamber angle, keratometry, horizontal corneal diameter, and pupil diameter, showed no significant differences between the two groups (P > 0.05). The study demonstrated a reduction in corneal endothelial cell density and a non-significant increase in the coefficient of variation among individuals recovered from COVID-19. These findings may provide insight into the systemic ocular effects associated with COVID-19‎.