Irvine A R, Kratz R P, O'Donnell J J
Arch Ophthalmol. 1978 Jun;96(6):1023-6. doi: 10.1001/archopht.1978.03910050547011.
Specular microscopy was used to study the corneal endothelium in a series of patients undergoing phacoemulsification with and without intraocular lens implantation by one experienced surgeon. Cell loss after phacoemulsification alone was variable, but the mean was 18%, with a median of 11%. The patients undergoing phacoemulsification plus lens implantation showed a mean cell loss of 26%, with a median of 17%. This is considerably lower than has been reported with standard intracapsular extraction plus lens implantation. The decreased endothelial damage is attributed to the technique of inserting the lens through a small incision and maintaining an air bubble between the lens and the cornea throughout lens insertion and wound closure.
