A comparison between internal and surface temperature measurement techniques during phacoemulsification cataract surgery: thermocamera versus thermocouple

Purpose: Corneal and scleral burns, one of the main complications that can occur during a cataract operation, are produced by overheating due to the use of the phacoemulsifier. The temperature of the anterior chamber of the eye can be measured both invasively using thermocouples and non-invasively, but only superficially, using a thermocamera. Methods: To compare the measures obtained from both techniques an in vitro experimental analysis was conducted on pigs’ eyes. During a simulated phacoemulsification cataract operation both the surface temperature with a thermocamera and the temperature inside the anterior chamber with a thermocouple were recorded. For each procedure, the maximum temperature values measured by each technique were compared. Results: The results of this research show that the difference between the maximum values measured with the two techniques is on average 0.5 °C. Conclusions: It is possible to employ a thermocamera technique instead of a thermocouple technique to provide an indication of the temperature inside the anterior chamber.