Corneal sensitivity after surgery.

A total of 38 eyes were examined at regular intervals for change in corneal sensitivity after surgery. Twenty-nine eyes underwent cataract surgery and nine trabeculectomy or iridectomy. It was found that complete loss of sensitivity occurred in the sector of cornea enclosed by the arc of the incision in every case. Recovery of sensitivity was found in eyes having trabeculectomy and iridectomy after approximately 9 months. All of the eyes having had cataract surgery showed almost complete anaesthesia in the upper half of the cornea after one year and only three had normal sensitivity after 2 years. Recovery of sensitivity appeared to take place from the 3 and 9 o'clock positions towards the 12 o'clock position.