Comparison between pre-op & post-op central corneal thickness and corneal compensated iop (by non-contact tonometry) after clear corneal Phacoemulsification

Background: In recent years, the success ratio in cataract surgery has significantly increased as a result of advances in surgical methods and equipment1-2.It is known that cataract surgery alters the ocular biomechanical properties. The aim of this study is to compare the central corneal thickness and IOP pre-op and post-op phacoemulsification cataract surgery. Methods: We included 50 patients in our study with cataract above 50 years of age. The phacoemulsification cataract surgery was performed by same surgeon with the identical material in all study subjects. Central corneal thickness, corrected IOP is measured in all the study subjects prior to surgery, on post-op day1, post-op day 7 and post-op day 30. Statistical analysis was done in measurements. Result: There were 60% males and 40% females in study group. We found the mean CCT prior to surgery was 546.8±34.7µ, that increased to 645.0±165.3 µ on post-op day 1, changed to 597.1±98.5µ post-op day 7, decreased to 551.4±44.7µ post-op day 30. The mean corrected IOP prior to surgery was 17.0±2.9 mmHg, changed to 17.8±4.2 mmHg on post-op day 1, changed to 17.2±2.0 mmHg on post-op day 7, decreased to 15.4±1.9 mmHg on post-op day 30. Conclusion: Central corneal thickness increases immediately after phacoemulsification cataract surgery, tends to normal over 30 days. Corrected IOP is a reliable parameter in post-operative period. Corrected IOP decreases after phacoemulsification cataract surgery.