AIM: To compare the effect of compound electrolyte solution and lactated Ringer's solution on corneal function in cataract phacoemulsification, and to provide scientific basis for clinical selection of appropriate perfusion fluid.

METHODS: The patients with senile cataract were randomly divided into control group with lactated Ringer's solution as anterior chamber perfusion and experimental group with compound electrolyte as anterior chamber perfusion. Surgical removal of cataract and phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation were taken. The corneal endothelial cell density, central corneal thickness, hexagonal cell ratio and endothelial cell coefficient of variation were measured at preoperative and postoperative points.

RESULTS: Totally 60 patients successfully completed all follow-ups, the experimental group of 30 cases, the control group of 30 cases. The density of corneal endothelial cells in experimental group was significantly higher than those in the lactated Ringer's solution group at 1 and 3d after operations(P=0.030, 0.046). The coefficient of variation of corneal endothelial cells in lactated Ringer's solution group was higher than that in compound electrolyte group at 1 and 14d after operation(P=0.025, 0.014). The visual acuity of the compound electrolyte group was better than that of the lactated Ringer's solution on the first day after operation(P=0.04).

CONCLUSION: In the phacoemulsification of senile cataract, the compound electrolyte perfusion has better histocompatibility, which can maintain the stability of corneal endothelial cell structure and reduce corneal endothelial cell injury. The compound electrolyte perfusion solution is more suitable for senile cataract phacoemulsification surgery.