Refractive Error Stabilization Following Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery and Its Associated Preoperative Factors

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Refractive Surgery
• Cataract Surgery Outcomes

Background:

• Phacoemulsification is a common cataract surgery technique.
• Understanding refractive error stabilization post-surgery is crucial for patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the time to refractive error stabilization after phacoemulsification.
• To identify preoperative factors influencing refractive error stabilization time.

Main Methods:

• Prospective case series of 163 patients undergoing phacoemulsification.
• Refractive error stabilization defined as < 0.50 diopter SE change over two follow-ups.
• Preoperative measurements included axial length, keratometry, and corneal astigmatism.

Main Results:

• 98.8% of eyes achieved refractive stabilization by postoperative day 28.
• Axial length showed a significant negative association with stabilization time (P < 0.001).
• Lower preoperative corneal astigmatism was linked to shorter stabilization times (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• Refractive error typically stabilizes around 4 weeks post-cataract surgery.
• Longer axial length and lower corneal astigmatism are associated with delayed refractive stabilization.