Outcome of phaco incision on steepest meridian in eyes with pre existing astigmatism

To determine keratometric outcome of a 5.5mm self sealing incision on the steepest meridian in eyes with preexisting astigmatism. A prospective study was carried out on 35 eyes with preexisting, with or against the rule astigmatism of 1.5-3.0 D. Bimanual phaco was performed using the incisions of 1.5mm, each approximately 120 degrees apart. The IOL was implanted through a third self sealing limbal incision created on the steepest meridian, which was assessed preoperatively by keratometeric readings. Postoperative automated keratometery was recorded at 12 weeks. The average reduction of pre-existing against and with the rule astigmatism was 1.15 [SD = 0.33] and 1.47 [SD = 0.32] respectively. It is possible to achieve negligible or low astigmatic outcomes in eyes with pre-existing with or against the rule astigmatism by predetermining the steepest meridian and placing a third incision of around 5.5mm on the respective meridian

Comparison of surgically induced astigmatism in phacoemulsification with 5.5 mm superior vs. temporal incision

To compare the effect of superior versus temporal limbal incision on surgically induced astigmatism [SI A] in phacoemulsification with 5.5 mm rigid intraocular lens [IOL]. Department of Ophthalmology Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi, from January 2006 to December 2006. A total of 100 patients undergoing phacoemulsification with posterior chamber [PC] IOL comprise the study. They were randomly allocated to two groups i.e. Group 1 [superior limbal incision] and Group 2 [temporal limbal incision]. 5.5 mm limbal incisions were given in superior and temporal meridians.All surgeries were performed by the same surgeon. All patients had autokeratometry preoperatively and post operatively [4 weeks and 8 weeks]. Surgically induced astigmatism was measured by using vector subtraction method ignoring the axis. Statistical analysis was done by using paired sample T test. After 8 weeks Group One had 1.41 diopters of SI A and patients of Group Two had mean SI A of 1.03 D. The difference was statistically significant with p value of 0.002. Temporal incision is associated with significantly less surgically induced astigmatism than superior limbal incision