Posters

Impact of surgical experience on early postoperative regional corneal thickness after phacoemulsification

Poster Details

First Author: A.Issa IRAQ

Co Author(s):    E. Faraj                    

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To compare early regional corneal thickness changes following phacoemulsification done by experienced surgeons versus trainee surgeons using Scheimpflug imaging as an indication of corneal endothelial stress.

Setting:

Ibn Al-Haitham Teaching Eye Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq

Methods:

patients having phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) surgery were prospectively evaluated. Group 1 comprised those operated by experienced surgeons while group 2 were operated by trainee surgeons. Clinical history, slit lamp examination and specular microscopy were assessed with the measurement of central and peripheral corneal thickness (CCT and PCT) before and at day 1 after the operations using Scheimpflug imaging (Pentacam). Cumulative dissipated energy (CDE) was recorded. A total of 100 eyes were included.

Results:

Preoperatively, CCT was 556.7±38.14µm and 551.88±42.23µm for group 1 and 2 respectively (P 0.551), while PCT was 670.4±49.24µm and 689.02±55.92µm for group 1 and 2 (P-value 0.080). There was significant statistical difference in postoperative CCT between Group 1 and 2, with a difference of 34.82µm (P-value 0.000). Same applied for postoperative PCT (148.38µm) being 734.8±88.55µm in experienced group, versus 883.18±128.43µm in trainee group (P-value 0.005). Mean CDE in trainee surgeons was 32.09±19.13%sec which was twice that used by experienced surgeons 15.52±10.72%sec (P-value 0.000)

Conclusions:

Phacoemulsification done by trainee surgeons was associated with higher CCT, PCT and more CDE. Higher CDE levels were correlated with older age, higher grade of nuclear sclerosis cataract hence more increase in CCT or PCT.

Financial Disclosure:

None