title: Corneal epithelial remodeling following cataract surgery: three-dimensional investigation with anterior-segment optical coherence tomography.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To map corneal and epithelial layer thickness changes following cataract removal surgery employing a spectral-domain anterior-segment optical coherence tomography system.
  
  
  METHODS
  Corneal and epithelial thickness three-dimensional profile distribution was clinically imaged preoperatively and up to 3 months postoperatively with anterior-segment optical coherence tomography in 116 consecutive cases. Descriptive statistics investigated central corneal thickness, minimum corneal thickness, and epithelial thickness at the central 2-mm area, the mean over the 6-mm area, and mid-peripherally at 5-mm ring.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In comparison to preoperative, the center, mean, and mid-peripheral epithelial thickness at the first postoperative day increased by +2.84, +2.35, and +2.25 μm, respectively (P < .001, < .001, and = .0014). One week postoperatively, the epithelial thickness differences were -1.91, -2.62, and -2.76 μm, respectively (P < .001, < .001, and < .001). Four weeks postoperatively, the differences of -0.20, -0.59, and -0.66 μm for the center, mean, and mid-periphery were not statistically significant (P = .6449, .1512, and .11097). Three months postoperatively, the differences were -0.05, -0.28, and -0.09 μm, respectively (P = .8722, .2341, and .6431).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Qualitative and quantitative assessment of epithelial remodeling following cataract removal indicated that the early (1 day and 1 week) corneal and epithelial thickness returned to the preoperative baseline 4 weeks postoperatively. This in vivo epithelial and corneal screening with optical coherence tomography can be valuable for the postoperative assessment and follow-up.
authors.forename: Anastasios John
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Kanellopoulos
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Asimellis
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003315:Cornea / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D063171:Corneal Pachymetry; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018918:Phacoemulsification; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011446:Prospective Studies; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence