Corneal endothelial changes after phacoemulsification using balanced salt solution versus Ringer’s lactate in senile dense nuclear cataract

Poster Details

First Author: A.M. Saeed EGYPT

Co Author(s):                  

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To assess and compare the corneal endothelial affection during phacoemulsification when using irrigating fluid of either balanced salt solution (BSS) or Ringer’s lactate (RL) during the procedure of managing dense brunescent cataract in old age.

Setting:

Ophthalmology Department, Benha University, Egypt.

Methods:

The study was a prospective, randomized study including fifty eyes of 45 patients of ? 68 years. All patients were with senile nuclear cataract of grade ? IV undergoing phacoemulsification. They were equally divided into group A, where the surgery was performed using BSS infusion fluid, and group B using RL. Observations made included specular microscopy to evaluate endothelial cell density (ECD), endothelial cell size variability (CV), and corneal pachymetry for central corneal thickness (CCT), and any other complications. Evaluation was done preoperatively, 1week, and 6-8 weeks postoperatively.

Results:

The two groups were well balanced regarding baseline ECD, CV and CCT. BSS group showed better results regarding ECD reduction and CV increase but not to a statistically significant level (P> 0.05). CCT was significantly increased (p<0.05) in both groups at 1w postoperatively and returned to baseline later on. There was no statistically significant difference in CCT increase in both groups. Number of eyes with inflammatory signs was statistically higher in RL group (p<0.05) during the early postoperative period.

Conclusions:

BSS could be recommended as a more favorable irrigating fluid than RL during phacoemulsification for dense nuclear cataract in old age, because it had a relatively less impact on the corneal endothelium and the postoperative inflammation. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE?: No