Influence of dorzolamide on corneal endothelium.

PURPOSE To evaluate the influence of topical 1% dorzolamide treatment for 3 months on the endothelial morphology and the thickness of the cornea. METHODS The corneal endothelium was investigated in 21 glaucoma patients (29 eyes) who received topical 1% dorzolamide treatment for 3 months. Intraocular pressure, corneal endothelium, and central corneal thickness (CCT) were measured before and 3 months after topical dorzolamide treatment. The relation between the endothelial cell density loss or the CCT increase, and factors such as the history of previous intraocular surgery, the presence of type II diabetes mellitus, type of glaucoma, intraocular pressure before treatment (above or below 20 mm Hg), or the kinds of eye drops used before dorzolamide treatment were evaluated. RESULTS The endothelial cell density, coefficient of variation of cell area, and percentage of hexagonal cells did not change significantly. The CCT after treatment (537 +/- 34 microm) was significantly increased over that before treatment (530 +/- 33 microm). There was no significant relation of endothelial cell loss or CCT increase to any of the above factors. CONCLUSIONS Topical 1% dorzolamide treatment increases CCT and does not affect corneal endothelial morphology.