USE OF HIGH-FREQUENCY-CAPSULOTOMY IN CATA RACT-SURGERY - INFLUENCE OFTHE COAGULATING EFFECT TO THE CORNEAL ENDOTHELIUM

Intumescent or hypermature cataracts make a safe capsulorhexis impossi ble. High frequency capsulotomy represents a satisfying solution for t his problem. Primary goal of the present study was to investigate a po ssible damage to the corneal endothelium by this method. Materials and Methods 55 patients with an uncomplicated senile cataract were enclos ed into a prospective randomized study undergoing cataract surgery wit h capsulorhexis or with high frequency capsulotomy. Corneal endotheliu m was examined preoperatively as well as postoperatively at several in tervals. Results Concerning loss of endothelial cells and parameters o f polymegatism and pleomorphism there were no statistically significan t differences between both groups. Conclusion The diathermy during hig h frequency capsulotomy does not show any clinically relevant negative effects on the corneal endothelium within cataract surgery.