Refractive Error Stabilization following Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery and Associated Preoperative Factors
Amin Zand1 *, Ali Sharifi1 , Davoud Dehghani-Meibodi1
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shafa Hospital, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Abstract: To evaluate the time required for RE stabilization after standard phacoemulsification cataract surgery and identify preoperative factors influencing this duration.
Methods: This prospective case-series study enrolled individuals who underwent phacoemulsification cataract surgery. The study aimed to assess the time of RE stabilization and explore preoperative factors affecting this period. RE stabilization was defined as < 0.50 diopter (D) changes in spherical equivalent (SE) over two sequential follow-ups. Participants underwent ophthalmic examinations at baseline and postoperative days 7, 14, 28, and 60. Keratometric values (K-mean), corneal astigmatism, and axial length (AL) were measured preoperatively using a biometric device.
Results: A total of 178 eyes from 178 patients were included. RE stabilization occurred in 97.19% of eyes by day 28, reaching 100% by day 60. Multivariate analysis revealed that age, gender, type of cataract, and K-mean value did not significantly influence the time of RE stabilization (all Ps > 0.05). Eyes with better preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (P = 0.009), normal AL (22.0-25.0 mm, P < 0.001), lower SE (P = 0.001), lower corneal astigmatism (< 1.50 D, P = 0.001), and with-the-rule (WTR) astigmatism (P = 0.011) experienced a shorter time to RE stabilization. Additionally, a positive correlation was observed between the time of RE stabilization and preoperative BCVA (logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution [logMAR] scale), SE, and corneal astigmatism (all Ps ≤ 0.009).
Conclusion: Refractive error stabilization typically occurs four weeks after cataract surgery. Eyes with normal AL, better BCVA, lower SE, lower corneal astigmatism, and those with WTR astigmatism exhibit a shorter time to RE stabilization post-surgery.
