[Changes in corneal thickness and endothelial cell density after cataract extraction using phacoemulsification].

UNLABELLED

Corneal metabolism is reduced after cataract extraction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In a prospective study the corneal thickness and endothelial cell count of 48 patients were examined after phacoemulsification. Corneal thickness was measured with an ultrasound pachymeter and the endothelial cell count with a contact endothelial camera at the 12 o'clock position and in the corneal center before and 4 weeks, 4 months and 1 year after operation.

RESULTS

One year after the operation, corneal thickness increased about 9% in the 12 o'clock position and about 12% in the corneal center. The endothelial cell count decreased about 27% in the 12 o'clock position and about 18% in the corneal center. We measured a significant correlation between cell loss and age at both points. Concerning the corneal thickness, no significant correlation was found.

CONCLUSION

After cataract extraction corneal metabolism is reduced. The endothelial cell count or corneal thickness can be used as an indicator of the corneal trauma resulting from the operation.