Phacoemulsification causes increase in peripheral corneal thickness

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the present study was to compare the central and peripheral corneal thickness before and after cataract surgery during three postoperative visits. Materials and Methods: Prospective, comparative study was carried out among 92 patients who underwent cataract surgery in right eye. The central and peripheral corneal thickness (nasal, temporal, superior, and inferior) was measured using anterior segment optical coherence tomography before and after cataract surgery. The mean value of the corneal thickness was compared between preoperative and postoperative. Results: The central corneal thickness (CCT) showed statistically significant differences between preoperative and postoperative measurement during all follow-up visits including 3 days. We also found statistically significant differences at all locations during a postoperative visit at 3 days. Superior, nasal, and inferior points on cornea were found to have significant differences when measured preoperatively and postoperatively at 1 month. A positive correlation was established between cataract grade and CCT during a postoperative 3-day visit using Pearson's correlation. Conclusion: CCT was found to increase significantly after cataract surgery. There was a significant increase in peripheral corneal thickness right after cataract surgery.