# Groove Loss Time: A Novel Wound Leakage Test for Sutureless Clear Corneal Cataract Wound Incision

## TL;DR

This study introduces a new method called groove loss time to objectively measure wound sealing after cataract surgery, showing it is effective and safe.

## Contribution

The novel GLT method offers an objective way to assess wound leakage in sutureless cataract incisions.

## Key findings

- All patients showed a GLT longer than 5 seconds, indicating good wound sealing.
- No serious postoperative complications like endophthalmitis or hypotony were observed.
- Intraocular pressure returned to near baseline levels within 3–4 hours post-surgery.

## Abstract

Background: This study introduces a novel quantitative method—groove loss time (GLT)—to objectively assess wound leakage following cataract surgery. Methods: In this prospective, single-center study, 70 eyes of 70 patients undergoing cataract surgery via CCI were enrolled. Wound sealing was evaluated by measuring the GLT, defined as the duration the stromal groove remains visible after corneal hydration. GLT was categorized into five grades: ‘water-tight’ (>10 s), ‘excellent’ (>5 s), ‘good’ (3–5 s), ‘bad’ (1–2 s), and ‘poor’ (<1 s). Intraocular pressure (IOP) was recorded at four time points: preoperatively, immediately post-surgery, 3–4 h postoperatively, and on postoperative day one. In select cases, anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) was used to confirm wound architecture. Results: All patients demonstrated a GLT longer than 5 s, corresponding to water-tight or excellent wound sealing. Mean IOP values were 16.08 ± 3.61 mmHg preoperatively, 29.48 ± 11.13 mmHg immediately post-surgery, 16.38 ± 5.45 mmHg at 3–4 h, and 16.65 ± 4.36 mmHg on the day after surgery. No cases of postoperative endophthalmitis, anterior chamber loss, or hypotony were observed. Conclusions: The GLT method provides a simple, objective, and effective tool for evaluating wound integrity in CCIs, ensuring optimal sealing and enhancing postoperative safety.