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.