[Development of corneal sensitivity after phacoemulsification with scleral tunnel incision]

Abstract

Background: after anterior segment surgery the anatomical structures and in particular corneal metabolism and corneal trophic are reduced. The corneal wound healing might be monitored by measuring corneal sensitivity.

Material and method: In a prospective study of 1 year corneal sensation of 26 patients, age = 72.49 +/- 11.09 years, after phacoemulsification with scleral tunnel is examined. Corneal sensitivity is measured with the Draeger aesthesiometer in the corneal center, in the 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock position before and 4 weeks, 4 months and 1 year after the operation.

Results: The preoperative corneal sensitivity thresholds before the operation are with 11.61 +/- 10.49 x 10(-5) N in the 12 o'clock position, in the center with 2.43 +/- 2.57 x 10(-5) N and in the 6 o'clock position with 11.86 +/0 10.37 x 10(-5) N normal. Even 1 year after surgery corneal sensitivity is markedly reduced with 257.08 +/- 306.71 x 10(-5) N, 107.77 +/- 246.76 x 10(-5) N and 82.81 +/- 140.77 x 10(-5) N in the 6 o'clock position.

Conclusion: Even 1 year after phacoemulsification corneal sensitivity is definitely hyposensitive in the center and descretely hypotensitive in the periphery at the 6 o'clock.