Corneal edema recovery after phacoemulsification in type 2 diabetic versus non-diabetic patients

Abstract

Background. Ultrasound energy during phacoemulsification can cause mechanical trauma to corneal endothelium which leads to prolonged postoperative recovery. Several studies have reported conflicting results of corneal changes after phacoemuslification in diabetic versus non-diabetic patients. We aimed to assess corneal edema recovery and compare best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) after phacoemulsification in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 versus patients without type 2 diabetes. Methods. The study included type 2 diabetic and nondiabetic patients who underwent phacoemulsification between November 2018 and May 2019. Assessments of corneal edema recovery were done preoperative and on postoperative day 1, after 1 week and after two months. BCVA were taken preoperative and postoperative after 1 week and 2 months after the surgery. Results. There was no significant difference between groups in corneal status on check-up examinations. Corneal edema recovery was equal between the patients with and without diabetes mellitus type 2. No significant difference in mean BCVA was observed between the studied groups after the operation. Conclusion. Considering the use of modern technology in cataract surgery, there was no difference in postoperative results between non-diabetic and type 2 diabetic patients.