Effect of Biometric Characteristics on the Change of Biomechanical Properties of the Human Cornea due to Cataract Surgery

PURPOSE To determine the impact of biometric characteristics on changes of biomechanical properties of the human cornea due to standard cataract surgery using biomechanical analysis. PATIENTS AND METHODS This prospective consecutive cross-sectional study comprised 54 eyes with cataract in stages I or II that underwent phacoemulsification and IOL implantation. CH, CRF, IOPg, and IOPcc intraocular pressure were measured by biomechanical analysis preoperatively and at 1 month postoperatively. Changes (Δ) were calculated as preoperative value versus postoperative value. Biometrical data were extracted from TMS-5 (CSI and SAI), IOLMaster (AL), and EM-3000 (CCT and ECC) preoperatively. RESULTS The average values of the changes were ΔCH = -0.45 ± 1.27 mmHg, ΔCRF = -0.88 ± 1.1 mmHg, ΔIOPg = -1.58 ± 3.15 mmHg, and ΔIOPcc = -1.45 ± 3.93 mmHg. The higher the CSI the smaller the decrease in CH (r = 0.302, P = 0.028). The higher the CCT the larger the decrease in CRF (r = -0.371, P = 0.013). The higher the AL the smaller the decrease in IOPg (r = 0.417, P = 0.005). The higher the AL, SAI, and EEC the smaller the decrease in IOPcc (r = 0.351, P = 0.001; r = -0.478, P < 0.001; r = 0.339, P = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS Corneal biomechanical properties were affected by comprehensive factors after cataract surgery, including corneal endothelium properties, biometry, and geometrical characteristics.