Corneal endothelial evaluation after phacoemulsification and silicone oil removal via an anterior approach

Purpose: To determine the effect of simultaneous phacoemulsification and silicone oil removal via an anterior approach on the endothelial cell density (ECD). Methods: In this prospective study, the authors measured the ECD before and 6 weeks after surgery using an automatic noncontact specular endothelial microscope. Nine patients underwent phacoemulsification and silicone oil removal via an anterior approach using a closed system and separation of irrigation/aspiration function. Results: Of nine patients, four (five eyes) were diabetic and five (five eyes) were nondiabetic. The postoperative ECD of the entire population was statistically different (P < 0.01) from baseline and the average endothelial cell loss was 6.7%. Conclusions: Combined phacoemulsification and silicone oil removal via an anterior approach using a close system and separation of irrigation/aspiration function is safe to the corneal endothelium.