PURPOSE:
To compare the effects of fluidic parameters on the central corneal thickness (CCT), corneal endothelium, and anterior segment inflammation after phacoemulsification with longitudinal ultrasound.
SETTING:
Iladevi Cataract & IOL Research Center, Ahmedabad, India.
METHODS:
In this prospective randomized patient- and examiner-masked study, consecutive patients with age-related cataract were randomly assigned to Group 1 (low fluidic parameters: aspiration flow rate 25 cc/min; bottle height 70 cm and 90 cm; vacuum ≤400 mm Hg) or Group 2 (high fluidic parameters: aspiration flow rate 40 cc/min, bottle height 90 cm and 110 cm; vacuum ≤650 mm Hg). The rate of change in CCT and endothelial cell density (ECD), the incidence of anterior segment inflammation, and corneal clarity were compared between groups.
RESULTS:
The mean change in CCT from preoperatively to 1 day postoperatively was −6.49% ± 2.7% in Group 1 and −13.44% ± 4.3% in Group 2 and from preoperatively to 7 days, −1.74% ± 1.3% μm and −5.55% ± 4.3%, respectively (both P<.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of change in ECD between groups from preoperatively to 3 months postoperatively (4.67% ± 0.15% versus −5.22% ± 2.84% (P = .45). Anterior chamber flare, cells, and corneal clarity at 1 day were significantly better in Group 1 than in Group 2.
CONCLUSION:
Low fluidic parameters led to a lower increase in CCT 1 day and 7 days postoperatively, decreased anterior segment inflammation at 1 day, and yielded clear corneas.
Financial Disclosure:
No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
