DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2014.v02i06.136

Pages: 3530-3535

Abstract: Introduction: Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed ophthalmic procedures worldwide, with phacoemulsification being the standard technique due to its efficacy, safety, and rapid postoperative recovery. Despite its minimally invasive nature, phacoemulsification can lead to corneal endothelial cell loss (ECL), which may compromise corneal clarity and visual outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between corneal endothelial cell loss following clear corneal phacoemulsification using superior, temporal, or supertemporal incisions. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from August 2012 to July 2013. In this study, we included 60 patients with corneal endothelial cell loss who underwent corneal phacoemulsification at the ophthalmology department of our institution. Result: The mean age of the patients was 57.43 ± 8.16 years, with 60% being female. Across all groups, a significant postoperative reduction in ECD was observed, most notably within the first month. Central ECL at 3 months was highest in the superior group (10.63 ± 2.91%) and lowest in the supratemporal group (10.30 ± 2.88%). The sector of the incision consistently exhibited higher ECL values than the central cornea, peaking at 1 month. A significant negative correlation was found between axial length and central ECL (r = -0.42, p < 0.001), while operation time positively correlated with central ECL (r = 0.54, p < 0.001). EFT also showed a weak but significant correlation (p = 0.04). No significant correlations were found at the incision meridian. Conclusion: Endothelial cell loss following phacoemulsification varies by incision site, with supratemporal incisions showing slightly lower central ECL. Longer axial lengths appear protective, whereas increased operation time and EFT are associated with greater central ECL. These findings highlight the im