Comparison Of Surgically Induced Astigmatism Following Non Phaco Small Incision Cataract Surgery With Different Sites And Sizes Of Incision

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare surgically induced astigmatism following non Phaco small incision cataract surgery with different sites and sizes of incision. Methods: One hundred and thirteen eyes of 112 patients that underwent small incision cataract surgery by the same surgeon with implantation of a poly methyl methacrylate intraocular lens between 2008 and 2009 were included in this study, after performing tests and necessary investigations for fitness for cataract surgery under peribulbar anaesthesia. The patients were followed at 1 week, 6 weeks and 6 months. Visual acuity and keratometry readings were taken on each follow-up. Results: The magnitude of late postoperative astigmatism at the end of 6 months with superior-temporal incision was 0.54 D, 0.58D, 0.72D with 5.5mm, 6mm and 6.5mm size of incisions respectively, with temporal incision 0.7D, 0.95D and 1.1 D with 5.5mm, 6mm and 6.5mm size of incisions respectively and with superior incision 1.02 D, 1.25D and 1.33D with 5.5mm, 6mm and 6.5mm size of incisions respectively. Conclusion : Difference in an uncorrected visual acuity post-operatively at the end of 6 months was statistically significant in the groups and was better in supero- temporal group and 5.5mm size of incision. While considering induced astigmatism with respect to different sizes of incision it was found that the lower the size of incision, the lower was the astigmatism. Induced astigmatism was lower in 5.5 mm size of incision as compared to 6.5 mm size.