A comparative study of effect of SICS and phacoemulsification on corneal endothelium

Abstract
Introduction Senile cataract has been documented to be the most significant cause of bilateral blindness in India. The aim of cataract surgery is no longer restricted to just visual restoration, but is now considered to be a refractive surgery i.e. to achieve a state of emmetropia. Preservation of corneal endothelial function is a major goal in cataract surgery. Objectives Present study aims to highlight the importance of measurement of central corneal thickness and compares the effect of SICS vs Phacoemulsification on corneal endothelium. Material and Methods This was a prospective study consisting of 101 patients who presented to the department of Ophthalmology, who fulfill inclusion criteria and are willing to enroll in the study. Standard uneventful small incision cataract surgery was done on 51 patients and standard uneventful clear corneal phacoemulsification was done on 50 patients. Change in central corneal thickness was observed post-surgery on day 7th and day 30th. This study was conducted over a period of two years. Results Both groups showed increase in CCT values on post-operative day 7 indicating some endothelial cell disturbances, but the increase in CCT was comparable between the two groups. At day 30 there was a decrease in CCT value as compared to day 7, the decrease was more in SICS as compared to PHACO, but the difference between the two groups was statistically insignificant.