[Opposite clear corneal incisions versus on-axis incision during phacoemulsification to correct pre-existing astigmatism]

ABSTRACT

To compare the efficacy of adding an opposite clear corneal incision [OCCI] on the steep axis during phacoemulsification in reducing the pre-existing corneal astigmatism. This randomized clinical trial was performed on 120 eyes with corneal astigmatism of >1D undergoing phacoemulsification. Incisions were made based on the type of astigmatism as follows superior or superior+OCCI in the with-the-rule and temporal or temporal+OCCI in the against-the-rule astigmatism. Patients were followed with refraction, keratometry and topography. Statistical analyses were done using one and two ways ANOVA and Tukey-a test. Mean corneal astigmatism was 1.82 +/- 0.86 D in the superior+OCCI group and 1.74 +/- 0.86 D in the temporal+OCCI group preoperatively which respectively decreased to 1.31 +/- 0.59 [P= 0.013] and 1.19 +/- 0.64 [P= 0.009] postoperatively. No significant changes occurred in the amount of astigmatism in none of the two single incision groups. Paired OCCI on steep axis is a useful technique to correct mild to moderate pre-existing astigmatism with no need to extra skill or instrumentation