AIM:To investigate the effect of small incision non-phacoemulsification cataract surgery on corneal endothelial cell.

METHODS: Totally 140 cataract patients(152 eyes)treated in our hospital from August 2013 to March 2016 were selected. All of the patients underwent small incision non-phacoemulsification cataract surgery. Before surgery and at 1wk, 1mo and 3mo after surgery, we measured the corneal endothelium of upper cornea, the central cornea and the lower part of cornea. The proportion and density of hexagonal cells, loss rate and cell area in corneal endothelial cells were calculated and compared.

RESULTS: Postoperatively 36 eyes had posterior elastic layer folds, aqueous flare, which disappeared after treatment. After surgery, corneal incision was found to have mild corneal edema. No other complications were found. A total of 128 patients(137 eyes)were followed up for a total of up to 3mo, with a loss of follow-up in 12 patients(15 eyes). After surgery, corneal endothelial cell density of the upper part of the cornea, the central cornea and the lower part of cornea, was statistically significantly different with each other(F=3.526, P=0.031), the difference in different time points was statistically significant(F=4.111, P=0.018). The postoperative corneal endothelial cell loss rate was statistically significant different between the three groups(F=3.526, P=0.031), at different time pionts(F=4.111, P=0.018). There was statistical significance of percentage of hexagonal cells between the three groups(F=4.348, P=0.014), the difference was significantly different between different time points(F=4.964, P=0.008). There was statistical significance of corneal endothelial cell area between the three groups(F=3.180, P=0.044), the difference was significantly different between the time points(F=3.511, P=0.032).

CONCLUSION: After small incision non-phacoemulsification cataract surgery, corneal endothelial cell density decreased, hexagonal cell proportion decreased, corneal cell area expanded.