Active-fluidics-based torsional phacoemulsification in diabetic eyes: A prospective interventional study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Technology
• Diabetic Retinopathy

Background:

• Phacoemulsification is a standard cataract surgery technique.
• Diabetes mellitus can affect ocular tissues and surgical outcomes.
• Active-fluidics systems offer enhanced control during phacoemulsification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare outcomes of active-fluidics torsional phacoemulsification in diabetic versus non-diabetic patients.
• To evaluate intraoperative and postoperative parameters in both groups.
• To assess the impact of diabetes on endothelial cell loss and corneal thickness.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, nonrandomized, interventional cohort study.
• 248 patients (54 diabetics, 194 non-diabetics) underwent cataract surgery.
• Intraoperative data (CDE, ultrasound time, etc.) and postoperative endothelial cell loss (ECL) and central corneal thickness (CCT) were recorded.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in intraoperative parameters (CDE, ultrasound time, etc.) between diabetics and non-diabetics.
• Diabetics showed significantly higher ECL on postoperative Day 1 and Day 30.
• Increased CCT in diabetics on Day 1, resolving by Day 30; higher CCT in diabetics with Grade 4 cataracts.

Conclusions:

• Torsional phacoemulsification using active-fluidics is comparable in diabetics and non-diabetics regarding intraoperative and immediate postoperative metrics.
• Endothelial cell loss and corneal thickness changes in diabetics may be associated with cataract grade.
• Further investigation into cataract grade's influence on diabetic patient outcomes is warranted.