The effect of incision position in phacoemulsification on postoperative astigmatism

Objective To evaluate the effect of the incision positions in the operation of phacoemulsification on postoperative astigmatism and vision. Methods 80 patients(98 eyes) were chosen and divided into A and B (2 groups) based on the pre-operative axis of steep meridion. The superior scleral tunnel incision was recommended in the case with rule astigmatism (Group A) and the temporal clear corneal incision was preferred in the case against rule astigmatism(Group B).Foldable lens was implanted after the phacoemulsification. Observe and analyze the condition of the post-operative astigmatism and the uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) after 3 days, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months. Results There was obvious difference in the astigmatism between the 2 groups after the phacoemulsification. The post-operative astigmatisms in different time were (0.57±0.30)D and (1.20±0.59)D after 1 month. Conclusion According to pre-operative axis of steep meridian, the superior scleral tunnel incision is recommended to the patients in Group A and the temporal clear corneal incision is recommended to the patients in Group B. The temporal clear corneal incision is better than the superior scleral tunnel incision in restoring the early-stage vision of the patients.