Corneal sensitivity in patients undergoing extracapsular cataract extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation

PURPOSE: To evaluate pre- and postoperative corneal sensitivity in patients undergoing ECCE with PC IOL implantation. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Lodź. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty patients (age range: 33-92 years) were examined for corneal sensitivity with electroaesthesiometer before surgery and after 4, 14 days, and 3, 6 months postoperatively. The measurements were performed in 5 different locations of the cornea in each case. In 41% of patients we found coexisting diseases such as glaucoma, myopia, diabetes and other. RESULTS: Corneal sensitivity decreased postoperatively. The lowest mean value was observed 3 months after surgery. It increased after next 3 months, but was still lower than preoperatively. The preoperative sensitivity was lower in the group of patients with coexisting diseases, while its postoperative decrease was relatively smaller.