Observation of corneal edema after phacoemulsification for cataract

Abstract

Objective To observe the corneal edema after cataract phacoemulsification,and evaluate the influence factors of corneal edema.Methods One hundred and thirty-four patients (134 eyes) scheduled for phacoemulsification were selected for this clinical trial.The parameters recorded preoperative were age,gender,medical history,density of the nucleus,density of central corneal endothelial cells,and percentage of hexagonal cells.The parameters recorded intraoperative were irrigation time,irrigation volume,operation time and cumulative dissipated energy (CDE).Then corneal edema during 1 week after phacoemulsification was observed and the time when the comeal edema regressed was recorded.Results There were 85 eyes (63.4％) appeared corneal edema after surgery without corneal decompensation,and all corneal edema regressed within one week.The degree of corneal edema after cataract phacoemulsification were significant related with age,density of the nucleus and cumulative dissipated energy (CDE),P ＜0.005),however,gender,medical history,density of central corneal endothelial cells,percentage of hexagonal cells and total operation times were not significant predictors (P ＞0.05).Conclusions Corneal edema after cataract phacoemulsification is influenced by many factors.So make a full assessment of operation risk,improve the surgical skills and adjust irrigation parameters according to the condition of patients,will minimize the damage of corneal endothelium and reduce the occurrence of corneal edema after surgery. Key words: Phacoemulsification; Corneal edema; Corneal endothelium cell