The Comparison of Induced Astigmatism and Clinical Results after Cataract Surgery using Different Clear Corneal Incisions

Lee, Seung IL; Song, Hyo Cheol

Abstract

PURPOSE: To compare the induced astigmatism and clinical results after cataract surgery using different clear corneal incisions.
METHODS
This prospective, nonrandomized study comprised 60 eyes (48 patients) scheduled for cataract surgery between October 2000 and March 2001; 20 eyes received 1-plane stab clear corneal incisions(Group 1), 20 eyes, 2-plane stab clear corneal incisions(Group 2) and 20 eyes, 2-plane hinge incisions(Group 3). Preoperative corneal astigmatism, surgically induced corneal astigmatism and changes of visual acuity were analyzed at 1 day, 1 and 2 weeks, 1 and 2 months postoperatively using ARK-700(NIDEK) and visual acuity chart projector. Data and group comparisons were evaluated by ANOVA, Chi-Square test, Repeated measures ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis test, Analysis of CoVariance(ANCOVA).
RESULTS
The surgically induced astigmatism in all groups showed no difference in WTR change and uncorrected visual acuity also showed no different results in all groups. Mean keratometric astigmatisms were 0.23+/-1.05 D (ATR) preoperatively, 0.03+/-1.31 D (WTR) at 1 day, 0.14+/-1.13 D at 1 week, 0.16+/-1.11 D at 2 weeks, 0.13+/-1.07 D at 1 month, 0.11+/-1.04 D (WTR) at 2 months. Mean surgically induced keratometric astigmatisms were 0.75+/-0.65 at 1 day, 0.65+/-0.43 D at 1 week, 0.54+/-0.48 D at 2 weeks, 0.53+/-0.45 D at 1 month and 0.45+/-0.46D (WTR) at 2 months after operation.
CONCLUSIONS
There were no significant differences in postoperative visual acuity and surgically induced astigmatism at 2 months postoperatively among these three groups and all incisions offered satisfactory short-term astigmatic results and rapid visual rehabilitation. A longer study of a larger series should be done to confirm the findings.