Purpose: To compare changes in corneal topographic parameters after cataract surgery in eyes with different severities of arcus lipoides.
Methods: Fourty eyes of 40 patients (23 women, 17 men, age 71.3+/-20.4 years, range 40 to 89 years) were studied prospectively in a consecutive, non-interventional, comparative series of cases. Eyes were classed in three groups (0 to 2) according to the assessed grade of arcus lipoides (none, <180 degrees, >180 degrees). Corneal topography (Tomey TMS-2) was performed preoperatively and at 1 and 10 days and 1 and 3 months following cataract surgery (superior 4.0 mm clear corneal incision, no suture). Keratometric astigmatism (Dcyl), surface regularity index (SRI), surface asymmetry index (SAI), and potential visual acuity (PVA) were evaluated for the different groups and time-points, using the Kruskal-Wallis, Wilcoxon, and Mann-Whitney statistical tests.
Results: No significant preoperative difference was found in mean Dcyl, SRI, or PVA; preoperative SAI was lower in Group 1. Postoperatively Dcyl was increased at day 1 in Groups 1 and 2, and remained higher in Group 2 until month 1. At month 3 significant differences among Groups 0, 1, and 2 disappeared.
Conclusions: The 4.0 mm superior clear corneal incision is a safe method for cataract surgery in the presence of arcus lipoides. This procedure induces greater corneal astigmatism, surface irregularity, and lower PVA in the early postoperative period in cases with arcus lipoides than in normal corneas. Concerning final results, wound healing was not affected by greater severity of arcus lipoides, although stabilization of the corneal surface tended to be slower.