Ocular biometry changes after cataract surgery

Aim of the study: to evaluate ocular biometry before cataract surgery, their changes and stabilization during early postoperative period. Objectives: : to determine visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), central corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth, spherical and cylindrical refraction, mean and apex keratometry, keratometric astigmatism before and after 1 day, 1, 2, 3, 4 weeks after cataract surgery and stabilization time. Material and methods: a prospective study included 22 eyes of 22 patients with catatact. Uncomplicated phacoemulsification surgery and artificial monofocal intraocular lens implantation was performed. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), central corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth, spherical and cylindrical refraction, mean and apex keratometry, keratometric astigmatism were evaluated before cataract surgery and 1 day, 1, 2, 3, 4 weeks after surgery. Results: study included 22 patients: 15 women (68,2 %) and 7 men (31,8 %), mean age 72,68 ± 1,9. BCVA significantly increased from the first postoperative day to fourth postoperative week comparing to preoperative measurement. IOP decreased after surgery but the difference was not significant. Mean anterior chamber depth significantly increased first week after surgery and second week after surgery compared to first week measurement. No significant changes was observed during further follow-up visits. Mean axial length did not change during the follow-up period. Central corneal thickness increased postoperative day and did not change during further follow-up visits. Spherical refraction decreased first week after surgery and cylindrical refraction significantly decreased first day, first and second week after surgery. Mean keratometry, apex keratometry, keratometric astigmatism in 3 and 5 mm zones did not change during follow-up period. Conclusions: Measurements of refraction stabilized second week after surgery, ocular anatomical measurements - anterior chamber depth – second week after surgery and central corneal thickness – third week after surgery. Practical recommendations: according to our conclusions, optical correction can be prescribed during the second - third postsurgical week