DR. JIGNA MOTWANI

Dr. PRAVEENA KHER

Abstract

Objectives- To compare the endothelial cell density and central corneal thickness pre and post cataract surgery, between phacoemulsification versus manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS), the two widely performed cataract surgeries.

Method- Specular microscopy was done for 40 patients undergoing clear corneal phacoemulsification by direct chop technique and 40 patients who underwent manual small incision cataract surgery. Readings were taken pre-operatively and at 2 and 6 weeks post operatively. Those with corneal dystrophy changes or a low pre-operative endothelial cell count were excluded from the study.

Result- There was no statistical significance among parameters of endothelial cell density, mean central corneal thickness, coefficient of variation, standard deviation and hexagonality among both groups at 6 weeks.

Conclusion- MSICS is safe for the corneal endothelium and ensures maintenance of long-term corneal transparency when compared to phacoemulsification.