Aqueous reaction quantification after phacoemulsification: Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography versus slitlamp biomicroscopy

Abstract

To compare anterior chamber cell detection after phacoemulsification between Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) and slitlamp biomicroscopy. Observational prospective comparative case series. Dr. Agarwal's Eye Hospital and Eye Research Centre, Chennai, India. Eyes with preoperative nuclear opalescence (NO) grades 1 to 3 that had phacoemulsification with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation were included. Slitlamp biomicroscopy and Fourier-domain OCT (Cirrus HD) of the anterior chamber were performed 1 day postoperatively. The results were evaluated, and a correlation analysis between the results and preoperative NO, effective phacoemulsification time (EPT), postoperative central corneal thickness (CCT), and intraocular pressure (IOP) was performed. The preoperative NO grade was 1 in 20 eyes, 2 in 55 eyes, and 3 in 42 eyes. Anterior chamber grading was possible by slitlamp biomicroscopy and Fourier-domain OCT in 106 eyes (90.5%) and 117 eyes (100.0%), respectively. A positive correlation between slitlamp biomicroscopy and OCT grading was noted (R(2) = 0.986, P=.000). Slitlamp grading was not possible in 11 eyes (9.4%) with corneal edema (mean CCT 754 μm ± 44.2 [SD]); OCT detected cells in all 11 eyes. There was a difference in slitlamp grading and OCT grading in 7 eyes (6.6%). There was a significant correlation between the OCT cell count and the EPT (P=.000) and NO (P=.000). Fourier-domain OCT was as reliable as slitlamp biomicroscopy in assessing postoperative anterior chamber cells.