Evaluation of corneal endothelial cell loss and corneal thickness after cataract removal with light-adjustable intraocular lens implantation: 12-month follow-up.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To determine quantitative changes in endothelial cell loss and corneal thickness in patients having cataract surgery and implantation of a light-adjustable intraocular lens (IOL) to correct residual postoperative refractive errors by application of a spatially profiled near-ultraviolet (UV) light.

SETTING:

Ruhr University Eye Clinic, Bochum, Germany.

DESIGN:

Cohort study.

METHODS:

The light-adjustable IOLs were implanted after phacoemulsification cataract surgery and treated with spatial-intensity-profiled UV light at 365 nm to induce a targeted refractive change. Once the desired correction was achieved, the light-adjustable IOL was treated again to lock-in the lens power. Noncontact computer-assisted endothelial cell microscopy and corneal pachymetry were performed before surgery; after surgery before adjustment; before lock-in; and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after final lock-in.

RESULTS:

One hundred twenty-two eyes were evaluated 12 months after lock-in. The mean cumulative UV light dose at the cornea was 61.47 J/cm(2) ± 2.37 (SD). The mean endothelial cell loss was 6.91% ± 3.66% 2 weeks after surgery before adjustment and 6.57% ± 3.81% 12 months after lock-in. The mean relative change in corneal thickness from preoperatively was 6.18% ± 3.97% 2 weeks postoperatively and -0.64% ± 1.88% 12 months after lock-in.

CONCLUSIONS:

Endothelial cell loss and corneal thickness change 12 months after lock-in agreed well with those reported in the literature after phacoemulsification with IOL implantation. The UV light exposure for adjustment and lock-in procedures did not add to the endothelial damage caused by the cataract surgery.

• Authors: Fritz H Hengerer, H Burkhard Dick, Simone Buchwald, Werner W Hütz, Ina Conrad-Hengerer
• Journal: Journal of cataract and refractive surgery (J Cataract Refract Surg) Vol. 37 Issue 12 Pg. 2095-100 (Dec 2011) ISSN: 1873-4502 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 22108104 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2011 ASCRS and ESCRS. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Cohort Studies
• Cornea (pathology)
• Corneal Endothelial Cell Loss (diagnosis, etiology)
• Corneal Topography
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Lens Implantation, Intraocular
• Lenses, Intraocular
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Phacoemulsification
• Postoperative Complications
• Prospective Studies
• Prosthesis Design
• Refraction, Ocular (physiology)
• Time Factors
• Ultraviolet Rays
• Visual Acuity (physiology)