Corneal endothelial changes seven years after phacoemulsification cataract surgery
1Department of Clinical Science/Ophthalmology, Umeå University, 901 85, Umeå, Sweden. bjorn.lundberg@regionvasterbotten.se.
International Ophthalmology
|April 8, 2024
Summary
Long-term cataract surgery results show corneal endothelial cell count and morphology stabilize over time, regardless of initial swelling. This indicates a consistent recovery pattern after phacoemulsification.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Science
Background:
- Phacoemulsification is a common cataract surgery technique.
- Corneal endothelial cell loss (ECL) and changes in central corneal thickness (CCT) are known short-term effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate long-term corneal changes after phacoemulsification cataract surgery.
- To assess the impact of initial postoperative corneal swelling on long-term outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Follow-up of 20 patients 7 years after phacoemulsification.
- Grouping based on initial CCT increase (day 1): <5%, 6-20%, ≥20%.
- Primary outcomes: ECL, endothelial cell count (ECC), and endothelial morphology.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in ECC between groups at 7 years.
- Cell loss occurred only in the <5% initial swelling group between 3 months and 7 years.
- Endothelial morphology showed a converging pattern over time.
Conclusions:
- Long-term ECC and morphology stabilize post-phacoemulsification.
- Corneal recovery appears consistent regardless of initial swelling severity.
- Phacoemulsification leads to a comparable steady state in corneal endothelium long-term.
Keywords:
Corneal endothelial cell countCorneal endothelial cell lossCorneal oedemaLong-term corneal endothelial changes
