AIM: To compare the effects of small incision extracapsular cataract extraction and phacoemulsification on corneal endothelial cells.

METHODS: Eighty-two age-related cataract cases(82 eyes)from March 2011 to October 2011, were randomly divided into two groups: phacoemulsification group(group A)and small incision extracapsular cataract extraction group(group B). Corneal edema after operation and changes in corneal endothelial cells in different stages before and after operation were observed.

RESULTS: In both groups,there was significant difference in the data of corneal endothelial cell density before and after operation(P<0.05). Although all the postoperative data of corneal endothelial cell density were lower than the preoperative ones, they had been slightly increasing over time. The mean density of corneal endothelial cell in group A was significantly higher than that in group B at 7d, 1 month and 3 months after operation(P<0.05). In both groups, the average proportion of corneal hexagonal cells at 7d, 1 month and 3 months after operation was obviously lower than that before surgery, with significant difference between the two groups. Postoperative corneal edema was less severe in group A than in group B(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: Phacoemulsification causes less damage to corneal endothelial cells and less postoperative corneal edema than small incision extracapsular cataract extraction.