[Phacoemulsification and corneal endothelium: experimental study by scanning microscopy (author's transl)]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Science
• Surgical Techniques

Context:

• Cataract surgery involves techniques like phacoemulsification and extracapsular extraction.
• The corneal endothelium is crucial for maintaining corneal clarity and function.
• Understanding surgical trauma to the endothelium is vital for patient outcomes.

Purpose:

• To compare the traumatic effects of different anterior chamber interventions on the corneal endothelium.
• To evaluate the impact of phacoemulsification, extracapsular extraction, ultrasound, and fluid perfusion on endothelial integrity.

Summary:

• Rabbits' eyes were subjected to various procedures: Earle's solution perfusion (no significant damage), isotonic saline perfusion (cell necrosis), ultrasound (isolated cell necrosis), phacoemulsification (ulcerations from debris), and extracapsular extraction (extensive necrosis and ulceration).
• Electronic scanning microscopy revealed significant differences in endothelial damage severity across the tested methods.
• Extracapsular extraction caused the most substantial corneal endothelial lesions.

Impact:

• Phacoemulsification and extracapsular extraction can induce significant corneal endothelial trauma.
• Extracapsular extraction appears to be more damaging to the corneal endothelium than phacoemulsification in this rabbit model.
• Findings inform surgical technique refinement to minimize endothelial cell loss during cataract surgery.