Specular microscopy is used to determine the number of cells per square millimeter of corneal endothelium. Because cataract surgery causes some loss of endothelial cells, the risk of postoperative corneal decompensation is increased if preoperative endothelial cell counts are low.
Abnormal endothelial cell morphology, including enlargement (polymegethism) and irregularity (pleomorphism), may limit the cornea’s ability to withstand stress.
