AIM:To evaluate the influence of phacoemulsification on corneal endothelium of senile cataract with lupus nephritis(LN).

METHODS:This clinical trial involved 40 cataract patients with lupus nephritis(40 eyes), and 50 cases(50 eyes)without lupus nephritis. All of them underwent phacoemulsification+IOL implantation. The parameters of corneal endothelial cell including central corneal endothelium cell density(CED),average area of endothelial cell(AVE)and coefficient of variation(CV)were recorded by corneal endothelial microscope pre-operation and at one month after operation. The data were analyzed by SPSS 13.0 statistical software.

RESULTS:Both LN group and control group, the morphology of coneal endothelial was statistical significant differences between pre-operation and 1mo postoperation. The CED was lower, AVE and CV were higher(P<0.05, respectively).A significant decrease in CED was seen in the LN group than did in the control group(P<0.05).Compared to control group,the post-operative AVE and CV in LN group was significantly increased(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION:The corneal endothelial cell in lupus nephritis patients is more fragile. Safe and reliable operation should be selected for these patients.