Changes in Central Corneal Thickness After Phacoemulsification Surgery

Objective: To determine the mean change in central corneal thickness after phacoemulsification surgery Methodology: This quasi experimental study was carried out at Liaquat University Eye Hospital, Hyderabad from June 2019 to May 2020. All the patients with age from 40 to 80 years having cataract with no associated ocular diseases like uveitis, glaucoma, subluxated lens, pseudo-exfoliation (PXF), as assessed on slit lamp examination, either gender, were included. Selected cases were referred to ward for preoperative assessment and CCT measurement on Ultrasound Pachymetry by Principal investigator and finally by a senior Ophthalmologist. The Phaco surgery, for all cases, was performed by the same Ophthalmic surgeon. CCT was measured again one day after Phaco; and noted on a CCT Assessment Proforma. Each participant’s ophthalmic examination would include: Best corrected visual acuity, cataract assessment (Slit lamp biomicroscopy) and CCT measurement by ultrasound pachymetry. Results: On central corneal thickness comparison before and after surgery, thickness was 539.08+33.35 before surgery, while after surgery it was found 583.37+30.55 with significant difference p-value 0.01. No significant difference was found before and after surgery in both age groups P-value 0.24 and 0.87 respectively. No significant difference was found in central corneal thickness between both genders before and after surgery p-value 0.05 and 0.72 respectively. Conclusion: We concluded that the mean central corneal thickness increased after phacoemulsification surgery.