Comparison Between Bimanual Microincisional Cataract Surgery and Conventional Coaxial Phacoemulsification

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate corneal endothelial cell changes after conventional coaxial phacoemulsification and bimanual microincision cataract surgery (MICS). METHODS: Forty patients were divided into 2 groups, coaxial phacoemulsification (Group 1, n=20), and MICS (Group 2, n=20). To evaluate corneal endothelial cell changes after coaxial phacoemulsification and bimanual MICS, intraoperative phacoemulsification power and volume of intraoperative irrigation solution (balanced salt solution, BSS(R), Alcon, U.S.A) were measured. Central corneal thickness and endothelial cell count were also evaluated, preoperatively and at 1 week, and 2 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Between the 2 groups, there was no statistically significant difference in intraoperative phacoemulsification power and volume of intraoperative irrigation solution (balanced salt solution, BSS(R), Alcon, U.S.A.) (p>0.05). In addition, there was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups in endothelial cell count and central corneal thickness (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: When comparing bimanual MICS and conventional coaxial phacoemulsification, bimanual MICS appears to have similar endothelial cell changes. In conclusion, MICS has the same safety as compared to coaxial phacoemulsification.