Posters

Corneal microstructural changing after cataract surgery using a topical solution with hyaluronic acid and ginko biloba extract

Poster Details

First Author: A. Canovetti ITALY

Co Author(s):    A. Malandrini   I. Lenzetti   F. Rossi   L. Menabuoni           

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To study the corneal microstructural changes after uneventful cataract surgery using postoperatively an ophthalmic sterile solution containing synthetic hyaluronic acid and ginko biloba extract (Trium®).

Setting:

Ophtalmology Department, Nuovo Ospedale di Prato Santo Stefano, Prato, Italy

Methods:

22 healthy patients were investigated after uneventful ultrasound cataract phacoemulsification with intraocular lens insertion using postoperatively Trium® eyedrops three time a day for 6 months. A complete ocular evaluation and confocal microscopy were performed at 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery. Sub-basal nerve plexus density was quantitatively analyzed: the density was calculated in the central cornea as number of fibers per field.The other eye was taken to make the comparison.

Results:

At 1 month postoperatively, surgery reduced the sub-basal nerve fibers by 25-35% in comparison with the other eye. Important changes were shown in the central cornea up to 3 months after surgery: a reduction in nerve fiber number (month 1: 1.4 ± 0.5, p < 0.0001; month 3: 2.4 ± 1.1, p < 0.005) was easily detected. The confocal parameters progressively recovered thereafter (month 6: +2.7 ± 1.9). Better stability of ocular surface considering Break-up Time was found throughout the study. No relevant side effects were recorded by using the topical Ginko biloba extract.

Conclusions:

Sub-basal nerve density was reduced after cataract surgery. Ginko biloba extract could help to restore it and to maintain the surface integrity avoiding patient discomfort.

Financial Disclosure:

NONE