Corneal hydration intra-operatively during phacoemulsification.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Techniques
• Corneal Physiology

Background:

• Phacoemulsification is a common cataract surgery technique.
• Maintaining corneal integrity intra-operatively is crucial for visual outcomes.
• Corneal hydration intra-operatively (CHIP) can affect surgical efficiency and postoperative recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence of significant corneal hydration intra-operatively during phacoemulsification.
• To identify risk factors associated with intra-operative corneal hydration during phacoemulsification.

Main Methods:

• A randomized clinical trial involving 240 patients undergoing phacoemulsification.
• Eyes were randomized into three incision architecture groups: single, two, or three planes.
• Viscoelastic injection and varying incision lengths (1.5, 2, 2.5 mm) were analyzed as potential factors.

Main Results:

• The incidence of significant CHIP was 17.9% (43/240 eyes).
• Three-plane incisions (37.5%) showed a significantly higher incidence of CHIP compared to single (6.25%) and two-plane (10%) incisions (p=0.005).
• Incision lengths of 2 mm and 2.5 mm were associated with significantly higher CHIP rates (p<0.001).

Conclusions:

• Significant CHIP affects nearly one-fifth of phacoemulsification procedures.
• Three-plane incisions, longer incision lengths (≥2 mm), and absence of viscoelastic injection are identified as risk factors for CHIP.
• These findings highlight the importance of incision architecture and technique in preventing intra-operative corneal hydration.