Corneal Biomechanics and Surgically Induced Astigmatism in Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome

Overview

This prospective study aims to evaluate the influence of corneal biomechanical properties on surgically induced astigmatism following standard phacoemulsification cataract surgery in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome compared with patients without pseudoexfoliation. Corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF) and corneal astigmatism will be measured before surgery and at postoperative follow-up visits. The relationship between changes in corneal biomechanics and surgically induced astigmatism will be analyzed.

Pseudoexfoliation syndrome is associated with structural alterations of the anterior segment and may affect the biomechanical behavior of the cornea. Corneal hysteresis (CH) and corneal resistance factor (CRF), measured using the Ocular Response Analyzer, are indicators of corneal biomechanical properties and may influence the corneal response to cataract surgery and magnitude of surgically induced astigmatism. This prospective, single-center observational study will include approximately 70 patients undergoing routine phacoemulsification cataract surgery. Participants will be allocated into two groups according to the presence or absence of pseudoexfoliation syndrome. CH, CRF and corneal astigmatism will be measured preoperatively and postoperatively at scheduled follow-up visits at postoperative day 1, 7 and 30. Surgically induced astigmatism will be calculated from keratometric measurements. The primary objective of the study is to determine whether correlations exist between corneal biomechanical properties (CH and CRF) and surgically induced astigmatism in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome and to compare these correlations with those observed in patients without pseudoexfoliation syndrome.

Conditions