Observation on the femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery for patients with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy

Abstract

Objective To observe the corneal endothelial cell loss after femtosecond laser-assisted phacoemulsification for the treatment of cataract of Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) patients. Methods A prospective clinical controlled study.The data of 31 eyes of 18 cases with FECD and cataract were collected and analyzed. They were divided randomly into 2 groups: group A, 15 eyes of 10 cases, received femtosecond laser-assisted phacoemulsification and group B, 16 eyes of 8 cases, underwent conventional phacoemulsification. The corneal endothelial cell loss, visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP) and complications at 3 days, 1 and 3 months after surgery were compared between two groups. Results The difference in age, preoperative corneal endothelial cell density, preoperative and postoperative visual acuity and IOP were not statistically significant between the two groups (P>0.05). The corneal endothelial cell loss 3 days after surgery in group A was (12.9±9.3)% and (16.8±4.4)% in group B. The difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). One month postoperatively, the corneal endothelial cell loss in group A was (21.3±9.7)% and (27.2±4.2)% in group B. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Three months postoperatively, the corneal endothelial cell loss in group A was (23.6±7.2)% and (30.9±5.4)% in group B. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). No bullous keratopathy or endothelial dysfunction occurred during follow-up time. Conclusion The femtosecond laser-assisted phacoemulsification is effective and safe for FECD and cataract, it can reduce postoperative corneal endothelial cell loss. Key words: Catarcat; Endothelial corneal dystrophy, Fuchs; Phacoemulsification, femtosecond laser-assisted; Corneal endothelial cell