Correlation between Corneal Endothelial Cell Loss and Location of Phacoemulsification Incision

PURPOSE: To assess the relationship between corneal endothelial cell loss after phacoemulsification and the location of the clear corneal incision. METHODS: A total of 92 patients (92 eyes) with senile cataracts who met the study criteria were included in this cross sectional study and underwent phacoemulsification. The incision site was determined based on the steep corneal meridian according to preoperative keratometry. Endothelial cell density was measured using specular microscopy in the center and 3 mm from the center of the cornea in the meridian of the incisions (temporal, superior, and superotemporal). Phacoemulsification was performed by a single surgeon using the phaco chop technique through a 3.2 mm clear cornea incision. Endothelial cell loss (ECL) was evaluated 1 week, and 1 and 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: At all time points during follow-up, ECL was comparable among the 3 incision sites, both in the central cornea and in the meridian of the incision (P > 0.05 for all comparisons). However, 3 months postoperatively, mean central ECL with superior incisions and mean sectoral ECL with temporal incisions were slightly higher. Superotemporal incisions entailed slightly less ECL than the other 2 groups. Overall, one month after surgery, mean central ECL was 10.8% and mean ECL in the sector of the incisions was 14.0%. Axial length and effective phaco time (EFT) were independent predictors of postoperative central ECL (P values 0.005 and < 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSION: A superotemporal phacoemulsification incision may entail less ECL as compared to other incisions (although not significantly different). The amount of central ECL may be less marked in patients with longer axial lengths and with procedures utilizing less EFT.