Purpose: Morphological stability and functional integrity of corneal endothelium are necessary to maintain long-term corneal transparency. When the number of endothelial cells drops below 450–800 cells/mm 2 , corneal edema, irreversible loss of corneal transparency, and decreased vision occur. There is concern regarding manual small-incision cataract surgery (MSICS) being more harmful to the endothelium in comparison to phacoemulsification. Our study aims to determine which technique maintains the corneal parameters closest to the normal physiological state. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted over a period of 15 months on 100 eyes, out of which 43 patients underwent phacoemulsification surgery and 57 underwent MSICS. TOPCON SP-1P, Version 1.41, 50–60 Hz frequency, noncontact specular microscope with pachymeter was used to measure endothelial cell count (ECC) and central corneal thickness (CCT) on four occasions: 1 day prior to surgery and on day 1, 3 rd week, and 6 th week after surgery. Results: In total, 100 eyes of 100 subjects were studied with no dropout during the study period. The age range was 40–70 years. There was no statistically significant difference between the preoperative mean ECC and mean CCT in phacoemulsification and SICS groups. A statistically significant difference was observed in the postoperative mean ECC ( P < 0.01) and mean CCT ( P < 0.001) on day 1 and 3 rd week between the phacoemulsification and SICS groups, respectively. The mean endothelial cell loss at 6 weeks was less with SICS but comparable with phacoemulsification. Conclusion: SICS is significantly faster, less expensive, less technology dependent, can deal with all types of cataracts, is relatively safe, and is more appropriate for advanced cataracts.

BACKGROUND Myopia is a complex trait including both genetic and environmental factors as well as gene-environment interactions. It has been recognized as a risk factor for development of glaucoma. Both Myopia and raised IOP are known to increase mechanical stress at optic nerve head leading to glaucomatous nerve damage. This study intends to evaluate the clinical profile of myopic subjects and its correlation with Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). METHODS A prospective observational study done from November 2019 to December 2020 after taking proper informed consent and ethical clearance. 164 eyes of 96 patients studied were divided into three groups, Group 1: low myopia (< -3.00D), Group 2: moderate myopia (-3.00 D to -5.75 D), Group 3: high myopia (≥ -6.00 D). A complete ocular examination was performed. Intraocular pressure was measured using Goldmann applanation tonometer. Visual field analysis using Humphrey automated perimetry was done in patients with suspected primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). Angle parameters and central corneal thickness (CCT) were measured using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). RESULTS 164 eyes of 96 Myopic subjects were studied with no dropout during study period. Mean age was 46.05 yr. (range: 25-75 yr.). The refraction ranged from -0.50 DS to -17.00 DS. There was no statistically significant difference between Intraocular pressure (IOP), Central corneal thickness (CCT), corrected IOP and Nasal and Temporal Trabecular-iris Angle (TIA) between male and female of same age group. Mean IOP and mean CCT were found to vary significantly with age and with higher degree of myopia. Corrected IOP, Nasal and Temporal TIA increase significantly with higher degree of myopia. Cup-disc ratio (CDR) was found to be significantly higher in patients with moderate to high degree of Myopia. CONCLUSIONS Myopia is an important risk factor for development of primary open angle glaucoma, with its incidence increasing in patients with moderate to high myopia. KEYWORDS Myopia, Primary Open Angle Glaucoma, Intraocular Pressure, Central Corneal Thickness, Trabecular Iris Angle