English

Abstract

BACKGROUND Phacoemulsification is a common surgery for cataract. The endothelium comprises of hexagonal cells which in single layer is essential for maintaining the transparency of the cornea. We wanted to compare endothelial cell density (ECD), central corneal thickness (CCT), coefficient of variability, and hexagonality of endothelial cells before and after phacoemulsification surgery. we also wanted to evaluate the endothelial cell loss after phacoemulsification surgery. METHODS A rural hospital-based prospective observational study with 120 patients was conducted in a hospital based setting utilising the data of patient’s eye by considering inclusion and exclusion criteria, before and after phacoemulsification surgery by using noncontact specular microscope. RESULTS The mean endothelial cell density significantly decreased postoperatively at day one, 4th week, 12th week. The mean central corneal thickness increased significantly at postoperative day one, then subsequently decreased at postoperative 4th week and 12th week (P value = 0.0001), but never reached the preoperative value. There was a significant change in coefficient of variation and hexagonality postoperatively (P value = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS The primary result is the change in corneal endothelial cell density (cells per square millimetre of the corneal surface) which is decreased, and the central corneal thickness calculated in micro meter is increased. As endothelial cells do not replicate, to reimburse cell loss there are changes in coefficient of variation and hexagonality after phacoemulsification surgery. KEY WORDS Corneal Endothelial Cell Density, Central Corneal Thickness, Coefficient of Variation, Hexagonality, Phacoemulsification, Specular Microscope