Study of Corneal Endothelial Cell Loss Examined by Specular Microscope in Cataract Patients Operated by Third Year Residents

Background Cataract is an opacification of the crystalline lens or its capsule causing impairment of vision. Every cataract extraction even in experienced hands and modern techniques involves some corneal manipulation and endothelial damage. Aim To determine corneal endothelial cell loss examined by specular microscope in cataract patients operated by third year residents. Materials and Methods A prospective observational study conducted on 500 patients undergoing small incision cataract surgery with posterior chamber Intra-ocular lens by 3rd year residents of Dept. of Ophthalmology, P. D. U. Govt. Medical College, Rajkot was undertaken. Corneal endothelial cell count was examined by clinical specular microscope pre-operatively and at post-operative day 1, 1 week and 1 month. Result The mean endothelial cell loss at post-operative day-1 was 237.2 cells/mm2, at 1 week was 259 cells/mm2 and at 1 month 305.3 cells/mm2. The mean percentage endothelial cell loss with SICS was 8.82 % at 1st postoperative day, 9.96 % at 1 week post-operatively and 11.35 % at 1 month postoperatively. Conclusion There is no significant difference between endothelial cell loss in cataract surgery done by third year residents and experienced ophthalmic surgeons.