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