Comparative Study of Endothelial Cell Loss after Phacoemulsification in Different Anterior Chamber Depth Groups

Abstract

Introduction: Corneal decompensation is a rare but potentially vision-threatening complication after phacoemulsification surgery. The evaluation of risk factors for perioperative endothelial cell loss provides important information in preserving these cells from the mechanical and thermal damage that can occur during phacoemulsification. Aim: To assess and compare endothelial cell loss after phacoemulsification in three different Anterior Chamber Depth (ACD) groups. Materials and Methods: The study was a hospital based comparative type of observational study, which comprised of 90 patients who were further divided into 3 groups (30 in each group) according to ACD. The patients underwent phacoemulsification surgery with Intraocular Lens (IOL) implantation. Endothelial cell loss was calculated by measuring the percentage decrease in endothelial cell density of the central cornea. Results: The percentage of mean endothelial cell loss was significantly higher in shallow ACD groups as compared to groups with deep ACD at each follow up (Day 1, 1st week, 1 month and 3 months), which was statistically significant. Conclusion: Eyes with shallow ACD is associated with an increased endothelial cell loss than eyes with deep ACD.

Keywords

• corneal decompensation
• endothelial cell count
• vision threatening