Early changes in clear cornea incision after phacoemulsification: an anterior segment optical coherence tomography study.

Purpose: We aimed to investigate the ultrastructures of clear corneal incisions 24 hours after phacoemulsification using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT).

Methods: Sixty eyes of 60 patients scheduled for cataract surgery were randomly selected. All eyes underwent the same phacoemulsification procedure carried out by one experienced surgeon. Two-plane temporal clear corneal tunnel incisions were performed. The same types of intraocular lens and implant system were used in all patients. Images of the ultrastructures of the corneal incisions were taken using AS-OCT before and 1 day after surgery.

Results: Corneal thickness increased at the incision site after surgery in all eyes (p < 0.001). Epithelial bulla in the incision region was seen in two eyes (3%). Gaping at the internal aspect of the corneal wound was seen in 42 eyes (70%). Eyes with gaping had thicker localized cornea (p = 0.002). Descemet's membrane detachment was seen in 49 eyes (82%); this seemed to be associated with lower preoperative intraocular pressure (p = 0.01).

Conclusions:  Anterior segment OCT provides sensitive and detailed measurements of the ultrastructures in clear corneal incision.