Liquefaction versus torsional IP: a comparative study on endothelial cells, corneal edema and corneal sensitivity.

Background/aims: To compare the impact of liquefaction and torsional IP cataract extraction methods on endothelial cell count (ECC), central corneal edema, and central corneal sensitivity (CCS) in a sample of cataract patients.

Methods: The liquefaction (LG) and torsional IP (TG) group consisted of 47 and 48 grade 2 cataract eyes, respectively. Uncorrected and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity, ECC, central corneal thickness (CCT), and CCS were measured 1 day prior to surgery, 10 days, 1 and 3 months postoperatively.

Results: Significant difficulties in the nucleus fragmentation were encountered in 2 LG eyes, and they were excluded from the study. Both techniques provided excellent refractive outcomes (LG, p < 0.001; TG, p = 0.02). Nonsignificant differences were detected in CCT values at the final postoperative examination; however, TG patients presented higher CCT on the first postoperative day (p = 0.04). Both groups presented comparable significant reductions in ECC (LG, p < 0.001; TG, p < 0.001) and CCS (LG, p = 0.02; TG, p = 0.02).

Conclusion: Both methods provide excellent refractive outcomes, with comparable impact on ECC and CCS. Liquefaction seems to provide less corneal edema; however, difficulties in nucleus fragmentation may be encountered even in grade 2 cataracts.