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Long-term evaluation of endothelial cell loss after phacoemulsification
H Lesiewska-Junk1, J Kałuzny, G Malukiewicz-Wiśniewska
1Dept. of Ophthalmology, Ludwik Rydygier's University School of Medical Sciences, Bydgoszcz, Poland.
European Journal of Ophthalmology
|April 9, 2002
Summary
Three months is insufficient to determine endothelial cell loss after cataract surgery. Cell loss rates after phacoemulsification do not correlate with preoperative endothelial cell density.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Science
Background:
- Cataract surgery, specifically phacoemulsification, can lead to endothelial cell loss.
- Determining the appropriate follow-up period to accurately assess this loss is crucial for patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate if a three-month follow-up is adequate for assessing endothelial cell loss post-cataract surgery.
- To investigate the relationship between preoperative central endothelial cell density and postoperative cell loss.
Main Methods:
- A two-year prospective study involving 60 eyes undergoing phacoemulsification.
- Central endothelial cell density was measured preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6 months, and 2 years post-surgery.
- Comparison of cell loss between a sutured corneal incision (30 eyes) and a scleral tunnel incision (30 eyes).
Main Results:
- The mean annual endothelial cell loss rate was 0.9%, significantly exceeding the physiological rate, even at two years.
- No statistically significant correlation was found between preoperative central endothelial cell density and the extent of postoperative cell loss.
Conclusions:
- A two-year follow-up period is insufficient to definitively establish total endothelial cell loss after cataract surgery.
- The degree of endothelial cell loss is independent of the initial preoperative endothelial cell density.