Corneal changes after cataract surgery performed with two different techniques for achieving watertight incisions
Session Details
Session Title: Presented Poster Session: IOL Power Calculation/Paediatric
Venue: Poster Village: Pod 1
First Author: : A.Mataftsi GREECE
Co Author(s): : M. Dermenoudi A. Tzamalis A. Matsou E. Oustoglou P. Brazitikos I. Tsinopoulos
Abstract Details
Purpose:
To assess potential postoperative corneal differences depending on surgeon's choice to either hydrate incisions or use an anterior chamber air bubble at the end of phacoemulsification.
Setting:
2nd Department of Ophthalmology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
Methods:
Two age-weighted equal groups of 34 patients (34 eyes), that were operated by two high-volume surgeons, were assessed pre- and post-cataract surgery. Surgical technique was identical, except for corneal side incision management; in GroupA an air bubble was inserted in the anterior chamber while in GroupB side incisions were hydrated until watertight. Previous ocular surgery, complicated operations or concomitant corneal disease were excluded. Pachymetry (AS-OCT), endotheliometry (specular microscopy), auto-keratometry, manifest refraction, and best-corrected visual acuity measurements were recorded preoperatively and at day 1, 4, 9 and day 30 after surgery.
Results:
Patients in two groups were comparable in terms of preoperative risk factor assessment, baseline pachymetry, endothelial cell density, as well as cumulative dissipated energy and phacoemulsification time during surgery (p>0.05). Endothelial cell density, assessed one month postoperatively, demonstrated statistically greater loss in GroupA (33.7%) compared to GroupB (9.8%, p<0.001). Mean Central Corneal Thickness (CCT) was statistically significantly increased in GroupA compared to GroupB (p<0.05) at day1 (684.7 vs 581.5μm), day4 (594.7 vs 558.4μm) and day9 (564.9 vs 538.7μm) after surgery. Notably, no statistically significant changes of corneal curvature were recorded postoperatively in either group.
Conclusions:
Using an air bubble in the anterior chamber for keeping incisions watertight seems to affect substantially the endothelial cell count and early postoperative corneal thickness compared to hydration of the incisions.
Financial Disclosure:
NONE
