Comparison of Influences on the Cornea between the WhiteStar Mode and Continuous Mode

Kim, Jin Ha; Lee, Yeon Hee; Choi, Si Hwan

Abstract

PURPOSE: To compare the influences on the cornea between the WhiteStar mode and the continuous mode in the Sovereign(R) phacoemulsification unit after cataract surgery using temporal clear corneal incisions.
METHODS
This study comprised 46 eyes of 23 patients who had cataracts in both eyes with similar grades of nucleosclerosis. The WhiteStar mode was used in one eye, and the continuous mode was used in the other eye. Pachymetry at the corneal center and 2 mm from the temporal limbus was performed. Topography and specular microscopy were performed, and surgically induced astigmatism was calculated using the Holladay-Cravy-Koch formula by simulated keratometric readings of Humphrey topography. Effective phaco time and average phaco power were recorded.
RESULTS
Changes of corneal thickness at the center of the eye and at the incision site were significantly lower in the WhiteStar mode than in the continuous mode at 1 month postoperatively. However, there was no significant difference in corneal thickness at either site and in other parameters measured at 2 months postoperatively. The effective phaco time in the WhiteStar mode was significantly lower than in the continuous mode for cataracts with a high grade of nucleosclerosis.
CONCLUSIONS
The early postoperative corneal edema in the WhiteStar mode was less than in the continuous mode. However, there was no remarkable difference in corneal endothelial damage. The effectiveness of phacoemulsification in the WhiteStar mode was superior to that in the continuous mode, especially for dense cataracts.