Abstract
Purpose: :
To compare the central corneal volume (CCV) pre- and post-cataract extraction at radii of 3mm, 5mm, and 7mm using a Scheimpflug camera.
Methods: :
The 3mm, 5mm, and 7mm CCV in 16 eyes undergoing cataract surgery were measured using a Scheimpflug camera at the pre-cataract extraction (Preop) visit, and at one day (POD1), one week (POW1), and one month (POM1) post-operatively.
Results: :
There is a statistically significant difference in the 3mm CCV Preop compared to POD1 (3.9+0.3 mm3 vs 4.5+0.4 mm3 p<0.01) and POW1 (3.9+0.3 mm3 vs 4.1+0.3 mm3, p<0.01), however there was not a significant difference at POM1 (3.9+0.3 mm3 vs 3.9+0.3 mm3, p=0.09).There is a statistically significant difference in 5mm CCV Preop compared to POD1 (11.4+0.8 mm3 vs 12.6+1.3 mm3, p<0.01), POW1 (11.4+0.8 mm3 vs 12.0+0.9 mm3, p<0.01), and POM1 (11.4+0.8 mm3 vs 11.6+0.8 mm3, p<0.02).Also, there is a statistically significant difference in 7mm CCV Preop compared to POD1 (24.1+1.8 mm3 vs 27.0+3.1 mm3, p<0.01), POW1 (24.2+1.8 mm3 vs 25.7+2.0 mm3, p<0.01), and POM1 (24.1+1.8 mm3 vs 24.6+1.8 mm3, p<0.01).
Conclusions: :
At 3mm, the CCV rises post-cataract surgery but returns to pre-operative levels by 1 month. However, the CCV remains elevated post-operatively past the first month when measured at 5 or 7mm. Peripheral corneal edema may persist post-cataract surgery longer than central corneal edema.
Keywords: cornea: clinical science • cataract • imaging/image analysis: clinical