The evaluation of clear corneal incision architecture using optical coherence tomography

Abstract

PURPOSE: To investigate the architecture of clear corneal incision post phacoemulsification cataract surgery using optical coherence tomography (OCT). SETTING: Centro Oftalmológico Integral, Bilbao, Spain. METHODS: This prospective observational study analyzed 60 clear corneal incisions (CCI) done in phacoemulsification with a 2.20 mm Intrepid HP disposable metal knife (Alcon). All wounds were evaluated 1 day, 7 days and 1 month after surgery by Cirrus OCT (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc.). RESULTS: The first day the mean CCI length was 1.49 ± 0.19 mm (range 1.16 to 2.1 mm), the mean incision size was 2.24 ± 0.05 mm and the mean incision angle was 42.40 ± 4.87 degrees (range 30 to 55 degrees). In one month the mean CCI length decreased to 1.29 ± 0.15 mm and the mean incision angle decreased to 36.28 ± 4.54 degrees. The CCI architectural features were observed with the following frequencies: epithelial gaping (16.67%), endothelial gaping (53.33%), local detachment of Descemet’s membrane (88.33%), slightly deficient sealing of the endothelial side of the wound (21.67%) and tissue separation (5%). These values normalized in one month follow up. CONCLUSION: Optical coherence tomography allowed excellent evaluation of corneal incisions after cataract surgery. Measurements of the incision using OCT are highly repeatable.