Central corneal epithelial thickness changes after half-moon supracapsular nucleofractis phacoemulsification...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Surgery
• Cataract Surgery

Background:

• Cataract surgery techniques can impact corneal health.
• Understanding changes in central corneal epithelial thickness (CET) is crucial for assessing surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of the half-moon supracapsular nucleofractis technique on central corneal epithelial thickness (CET).
• To assess the correlation between effective phaco time (EPT) and CET changes post-surgery.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of patients undergoing cataract surgery with the half-moon supracapsular nucleofractis technique.
• Central corneal epithelial thickness (CET) measured using spectral domain anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) preoperatively and at 1, 3, and 7 days postoperatively.
• Effective phaco time (EPT) recorded for each surgery and correlated with CET measurements.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant increase in mean CET was observed on the first postoperative day.
• Mean CET declined by the 3rd and 7th postoperative days, returning towards preoperative values.
• A significant positive correlation between mean EPT and mean CET was found on postoperative day 1.

Conclusions:

• The half-moon supracapsular nucleofractis technique causes a transient increase in central corneal epithelial thickness (CET).
• Corneal epithelial thickness normalizes by seven days post-surgery.
• Effective phaco time (EPT) is positively correlated with immediate postoperative CET increase.