The effect of different cataract surgery incisions on astigmatism

Objective:To evaluate postoperative astigmatism and uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA) with different phacoemulsification incisions.Methods:100 patients(118 eyes) were divided into 2 groups based on the pre operative axis of the steep meridian. The superior scleral tunnel incision was recommended in cases of with the rule astigmatism(group 1) and the temporal clear corneal incision was preferred in cases of against the rule astigmatism(group 2). Foldable lenses were implanted after phacoemulsification with a 3.0 mm incision. Post operative astigmatism and UCVA were then evaluated.Results:There was no significant difference in astigmatism between the 2 groups after phacoemulsification. Post operative astigmatism was markedly reduced in the 2 groups by (0.70±0.71)D and (0.68±0.63)D,respectively,and was stable after 1 month. The percent of patients with UCVA 0.5 or better was high,91.4% and 90.0%,respectively.Conclusion:Post operative astigmatism was effectively controlled when a superior scleral tunnel incision was used in cases of with the rule astigmatism and a temporal clear corneal incision was used in cases of against the rule astigmatism,based on pre operative topography. Post operative uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA) was much better. [