Phacoemulsification associated corneal damage evaluated by corneal volume

PURPOSE: To determine the usefulness of the Pentacam corneal volume assay in the assessment of corneal endothelial damage caused by phacoemulsification and aspiration (PEA). DESIGN: Prospective, comparative, observational case series. METHODS: PEA was performed in 85 eyes by three surgeons under different conditions. Central cell density (CD) was determined using a specular microscope before and one month after surgery. Pentacam was used before and one day, one week, and one month after surgery to determine 3- and 10,mm corneal volumes. RESULTS: For all surgeons, no significant differences in the 3-mm corneal volumes were noted between the before and one-month after surgery values. However, 10-mm corneal volumes at one month were significantly higher than preoperative levels. No correlation was noted between the increasing rate of the 10-mm corneal volume and decreasing rate of CD. CONCLUSIONS: Pentacam-determined corneal volumes may be useful in assessing PEA-caused corneal damage.