Original Article

Comparison Between the Values of Postoperative Astigmatism After 3.0 and 4.2 mm Clear Corneal Incisions in Cases of Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery

10.4274/tod.40.160

  • Alpaslan Daylan
  • Didem Esen
  • Mehmet H. Özkan
  • Selda Aktay Kutan
  • Banu Torun Acar

Received Date: 22.03.2010 Accepted Date: 07.12.2009 Turk J Ophthalmol 2010;40(3):160-164

Purpose:

To compare the values of postoperative astigmatism after 3.0 and 4.2 mm clear corneal incisions in cases of phacoemulcification cataract surgery.

Materia and Method:

82 patients (112 eyes) diagnosed with cataract between February and August 2008 in 2. Department of Ophthalmology, Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital were included in this study. The cases were divided into 2 groups: group 1 (60 eyes) and group 2 (52 eyes), in which foldable IOL was implanted through 3.0 mm and 4.2 mm clear corneal incisions, respectively. The operations were done using phacoemulsification technique. Routine ophthalmic examination combined with keratometric and topographic measurements was performed to all cases at postoperative first week, and 1., 3. and 6. months. Values of pre-and postoperative astigmatism were calculated and compared by vector analysis and polar value methods.

Results:

No statistical difference was detected between 3.0 and 4.2 mm clear corneal incisions during postoperative first week, first, third and sixth months. Polar values calculated with Naeser’s method decreased in both groups during the postoperative period. The changes between the groups were not statistically significant, but group 1 (3.0 mm) was more stable. When the incisions were compared according to torque effect, no significant difference was observed between the two groups, however, torque effect was less and more stable in the 3.0 mm group. We found no statistically significant difference between the two groups with respect to postoperative astigmatism evaluated by vector analysis method; besides, postoperative astigmatism was less in the 3.0 mm group.

Discussion:

We found no statistical difference between 3.0 and 4.2 mm clear corneal incisions during the postoperative period. On the other hand, in 3.0 mm incision group, quicker healing and less torque effect were detected.

Keywords: Phacoemulsification, clear corneal incision, postoperative astigmatism

Full Text (Turkish)