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Subject Area

Ophthalmology

Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objectives To determine the effects of phacoemulsification surgery on corneal endothelial cell density and corneal thickness in patients undergoing cataract surgery. Background Phacoemulsification cataract surgery with implantation of an intraocular lens is the most common procedure for cataract extraction, which may have several complications. Patients and methods This was a descriptive prospective study for comparative analysis of corneal endothelial changes using Tomey EM-3000 noncontact specular microscope held on selected patients with senile cataracts who attended the outpatient clinic of Menoufia Ophthalmology Center (MOC) for cataract surgery in the period from October 2021 March 2022. Cataract extraction using phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation was done on all patients. Results There was a significant reduction in mean endothelial cell density after phacoemulsification compared with baseline, with P value less than 0.001. There was also a significant postoperative reduction in mean endothelial cells number as compared with baseline, with P value less than 0.001. Mean endothelial cell hexagonality was reduced significant (P < 0.001). Central corneal thickness showed a significant increase postoperatively (P < 0.001). Conclusion Despite healthy cornea, no previous surgical history, and no corneal abnormalities before surgery, there was marked endothelial loss by phacoemulsification. This is particularly important in patients, especially with harder nuclear density.

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