AIM: To observe the influence of cataract phacoemulsification on corneal endothelial cell of cataract patients combined with diabetes or hypertension.

METHODS: Clinical case-control study was used. Totally 104 cases(174 eyes)of patients who underwent phacoemulsification were divided into three groups: senile cataract patients, diabetes mellitus cataract patients and hypertension cataract patients. The changes of endothelial cell density(CD), percentage of regular hexagonal cells(6A), coefficient of variation(CV)between pre-operation and post-operation at 1wk, 1mo were compared. The data were analyzed statistically by means of SPSS 13.0 software.

RESULTS: Pre-operative results: the percentage of CD and 6A cell were decreased and CV was increased in diabetes and hypertension group compared with control group. There were statistical differences in 6A and CV in diabetes group(P<0.05). There were statistical differences in 6A in hypertension group(P<0.05). Post-operative results: the percentage of CD and 6A were decreased, and CV was increased after operation of 1wk and 1mo. There were significant differences in three groups(P<0.01). CD had statistical differences(P<0.05), CV and 6A had significant differences(P<0.01)between diabetes group and control group. 6A and CV had significant differences(P<0.01)between hypertension group and control group.

CONCLUSION: Cataract phacoemulsification has certain injury on corneal endothelial cell. Cataract patients combined with diabetes or hypertension are easier to be damaged than that of senile cataract in the phacoemulsification. They are more sensitive after surgery.