The Comparison of Astigmatism According to The Incision Size In Cataract Operation

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We compared the amount of surgically induced astigmatism according to the incision size in cataract operation. METHODS: One hundred one eyes of 82 patients underwent cataract operation with temporal clear corneal incision. The eyes were classified into 3 groups according to IOL types and incision size Group I; after 3.2mm sized incision, acrylic IOL was inserted using the injector. Group II; after 3.6mm sized incision, acrylic IOL was inserted using forceps. Group III; after 3.2mm sized incison, silicone IOL was inserted using the injector. The visual acuity and astigmatism was evaluated at preoperation, 1 week, 1 month and 2 months after the operation. RESULTS: In all groups, visual acuity was significantly improved at 1 week after the operation. Only in group II, astigmatism was increased statistically significantly at 1 week after the operation. The change of astigmatism in group I was statistically less than that in group II at 1 week after operation. In any groups, the change of astigmatism showed no difference at 1 month and 2 months after the operation. CONCLUSIONS: The 3.2 mm clear corneal incision for injector shows significantly smaller surgically induced astigmatism than that of 3.6 mm clear corneal incision for forcep in cataract surgery.