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Prospective study of corneal topographic changes produced by extracapsular cataract surgery
C H Mafra1, A S Dave, C T Pilai
1Department of Opthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, USA.
Cornea
|March 1, 1996
Summary
Extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) significantly alters corneal topography, increasing astigmatism and asymmetry. These changes persist post-surgery, impacting corneal smoothness and regularity.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Surgery
- Refractive Surgery
Background:
- Cataract surgery is known to induce refractive and corneal astigmatism.
- Specific corneal topographic alterations following surgery are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the corneal topographic effects of extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) with a posterior limbal incision and selective suture removal.
Main Methods:
- Corneal topography was analyzed using TMS-1 videokeratoscopy in 15 eyes.
- Measurements were taken preoperatively, at 4-6 weeks post-surgery, after suture removal (2-5 weeks), and at 5.5-8 months post-surgery.
Main Results:
- ECCE significantly increased corneal astigmatism, irregularity, and asymmetry compared to preoperative values.
- Surface Regularity Index increased initially but normalized by the final examination.
- Irregular Astigmatism Index and Corneal Asymmetry remained elevated throughout the follow-up period.
Conclusions:
- ECCE significantly alters corneal topography, leading to persistent astigmatism and asymmetry.
- Corneal topography analysis can provide valuable information for managing surgically induced distortions after ECCE.