To compare the effects of phacodynamic parameters on postoperative corneal edema between 2.8 mm and 2.2 mm microincisional coaxial cataract surgery.

A prospective randomized study design was conducted and included 144 cases randomly divided into 2 coaxial cataract surgery groups based on incision size, a 2.8 mm incision (n = 72) or a 2.2 mm microincision (n = 72). The cataract was graded using the lens opacity classification system (LOCS III). The total ultrasound time (TUT), cumulative dispersed energy (CDE), average torsional amplitude (ATA), fluid amount, and case time were measured for each surgery. Central corneal thickness (CCT) was measured preoperatively, and 1 day and 1 month postoperatively. Intraoperative parameters were correlated with postoperative corneal edema.

The average nuclear opacity, intraoperative parameters, and postoperative corneal edema did not differ significantly between the 2 surgical groups. Regression analysis showed corneal edema to be significant in ATA ( p = 0.028) in the standard (2.8-mm incision) coaxial group, whereas edema was significantly different with TUT ( p = 0.001), CDE ( p = 0.001), fluid amount ( p = 0.021), and case time ( p = 0.027) in the microcoaxial (2.2-mm microincision) group. CCT returned to baseline with an increase of 1.8% at 1 month.

In the microcoaxial group, sustained ultrasound exposure and prolonged case time caused moderate postoperative corneal edema, while ATA was a significant factor in the standard coaxial group. These data can be used to devise an effective surgical strategy for cataract treatment.