Changes in central corneal thickness (CCT) and central macular thickness (CMT) following uncomplicated small-incision cataract surgery (SICS)

Objectives1) To study the changes in central corneal thickness (CCT) which is an indirect indicator of corneal endothelial dysfunction after uncomplicated small incision cataract surgery (SICS) and 2) To study changes in macular thickness following uncomplicated SICS. MethodsThis was a prospective study conducted in Reiyukai Eiko Masunaga eye hospital, Banepa, Nepal. Those who fulfill inclusion criteria were included in the study. Small incision cataract surgery was performed on 68 eyes of 62 patients Change in central corneal thickness and central macular thickness from baseline was observed post-surgery on 1st day, 1 week and 6 weeks. Results33 females and 35 males were included in the study. Mean age was 58.26 years. This difference of visual acuity between pre and post-operative state was statistically significant. The 1st post-operative day (POD) and 1 week POD values when compared with preoperative CCT values were statistically significant. But the 6 weeks POD when compared to preoperative CCT values were not statistically significant. The 1st POD, 1 week POD and 6 weeks POD CMT values when compared with preoperative CMT values were statistically significant. ConclusionThis study revealed that there was a significant rise in CCT after SICS which gradually tended to normalize at 6 weeks. Similarly there was a gradual rise in CMT after SICS persisting even at 6 weeks. However these changes were subtle and there was a marked improvement of visual acuity after SICS. SynopsisThere was statistically significant increase in central corneal thickness and central macular thickness following uncomplicated small incision cataract surgery, the former of which tends to normalize at 6 weeks post-surgery.