Re-inventing the straight incision with a single central suture in manual small-incision cataract surgery to minimize surgically induced astigmatism

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To calculate the surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) in MSICS through a superiorly placed straight scleral incision closed with a single, central, perpendicular 10?0 polyamide suture and to document any suture?related complaints and complications. Methods: A retrospective, hospital?based study was carried out in 50 cases of uncomplicated senile cataract (>50 year) with nuclear sclerosis ? grade 4, 搘ith the rule� astigmatism who underwent MSICS through a superior, straight incision with a single, central, perpendicular 10?0 nylon suture. Patients with 揳gainst the rule� astigmatism, keratoconus, pre?existing corneal opacity, astigmatism >2D, distorted or oblique mires, and previous ocular surgeries and unwilling to participate were excluded. Results: The mean age of the patients was 64.81 + 2.824 years, with a male female ratio of 1.381. The mean SIA at day 7, week 6, and 12 weeks was 0.539 + 0.118, 0.529 + 0.134, and 0.524 + 0.129, respectively. Only 6 patients (12%) complained of foreign body sensation. No patient developed any suture?related complications. Conclusion: SIA is significantly reduced in straight incision by applying a single, central, and perpendicular 10?0 polyamide suture, as compared to a straight incision without a suture.