Incidence and mechanism of conjunctival chemosis during phacoemulsification.

Background: This study aims to determine the incidence of conjunctival chemosis during phacoemulsification and to explore the possible mechanism and treatments.
Methods: Patients with or without chemosis during phacoemulsification by the same operator within two years were included. The initial site of chemosis, the chemosis originated time, and the degree of chemosis at the end of the surgery were recorded. The differences in phacoemulsification energy/time and irrigation volume were compared between two groups. Meanwhile, the distance between the clear corneal incision (CCI) and the end of the Bowman's layer, surgically induced astigmatism (SIA), intraocular pressure and central corneal thickness were also compared between the two groups.
Results: The incidence of intraoperative chemosis was 9.17% (66/720). The distance between CCI and the end of the Bowman's layer in the chemosis group was significantly longer than that in the non-chemosis group postoperatively (P < 0.0001). The initial sites of chemosis were located on both sides of the external opening of the CCI. The average time from the phacoemulsification probe introducing into the anterior chamber to the originating of chemosis was 30.23 ± 49.23s.
Conclusion: Intraoperative chemosis is related to the distance from CCI to the end of Bowmen's layer. The residual conjunctiva around the incision wraps the phacoemulsification probe sleeve to form a passage, the leakage fluid enters the subconjunctiva through this passage, forming chemosis. Conjunctival incision on both sides of CCI can effectively prevent the development of chemosis.
(© 2024. The Author(s).)