Factors affecting post-operative astigmatism in superior and temporal approaches in Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery

Background: Cataract surgery and intraocular lens implantation restores near normal visual acuity in otherwise healthy eyes, safe surgery, postoperative emmetropia and early resuming of normal activities are three major considerations of present day cataract surgery. Aim: To evaluate and compare surgically induced altered refractive status following superior versus temporal incision in small incision cataract surgery. Materials and methods: 100 cases of cataract surgery were selected for study of post-operative refractive status in superior versus temporal incision in cataract surgery. A complete ocular examination including anterior and posterior segment examination and general physical examination was performed in all cases. Results: Majority (75%) of patients of the present study who underwent cataract extraction belonged to age group of above 50 years with maximum preponderance in the age group of between 61-70 years. The minimum amount of astigmatism one week after surgery in Group – 2 was 0.5D and the maximum amount was 6.0D. The average amount of astigmatism one week after surgery in Group – 2 was 2.75D. The minimum amount of astigmatism 6 weeks after surgery in Group – I was 0.25D and maximum amount was 4.0D. The minimum amount of astigmatism 6 weeks after surgery in Group – 2 was 0.25D and maximum amount was 2.0D. The complications were seen in early postoperative period more in superior incision group than in temporal group. Astigmatism was cleared in temporal group when compared to superior incision group. After 6 weeks of postoperative follow-up, visual acuity of every patient was recorded after giving proper pseudophasic correction. Temporal Incision had 92% 6/6 -6/9 and 6/12-6/18 visual acuity. Conclusions: Amount of astigmatism was less in temporal incision SICS than superior incision SICS. The postoperative refractive status, is also good in temporal incision SICS than superior incision SICS.