[Analysis of optical parameters after cataract surgery and implantation of foldable lens].

PURPOSE: Within the first few weeks after cataract surgery, changes of refraction can occur in patients with "clear cornea" surgery and implantation of foldable lenses. The possible reasons were analyzed.

METHOD: In 71 consecutive patients we determined axial length, anterior chamber depth, corneal refraction, and corneal thickness prior to cataract surgery, on the 1st postoperative day, and at a follow-up control after obtaining stable refraction. We divided the patients into three groups: patients with no change of refraction between the 1st postoperative day and the follow-up (group A), patients with hyperopic shift of refraction (group B), and patients with myopic shift of refraction (group C).

RESULTS

In all three groups we measured no significant postoperative change of the axial length. Central corneal thickness increased by approximately 37 microm on the 1st postoperative day and had normalized at the time of control. Anterior chamber depth decreased in all groups by approximately 0.44 mm between the 1st postoperative day and the follow-up. Central corneal refraction showed an decrease in groups B and C and an increase in group A. The standard deviation was very high in all groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The postoperative change of refraction depends on multiple factors among which changes of the anterior chamber depths, the corneal refraction, the swelling of the cornea, and the axial length can play a role.