Comparative study of postoperative astigmatism following phacoemulsification with scleral incision and posterior chamber foldable and rigid (nonfoldable) intraocular lens implantation

Abstract

Purpose: To study and compare the postoperative astigmatism following phacoemulsification with scleral incision and posterior chamber foldable and rigid (nonfoldable) intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. Materials and Methods: It was a hospital-based prospective observational study which included 200 eyes with presenile and senile cataract and were divided into two groups. Group I; included hundred cases with superior scleral incision (3.2 mm) phacoemulsification and foldable posterior chamber IOL (PCIOL) implantation. Group II; included 100 cases with superior scleral incision (5.5 mm) phacoemulsification and rigid (nonfoldable) PCIOL implantation. The data were analyzed by Chi-square test and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) at 6 weeks was compared between the two groups. SIA was calculated by the vector analysis. Results: The mean SIA in Group I was 0.67 ± 0.46 D, whereas in Group II was 1.17 ± 0.44 D. There was statistically significant difference between the two groups P < 0.05. Group II showed higher mean SIA than Group I at 6 weeks. Postoperatively, majority of patients developed against the rule astigmatism, 62% in Group I and 76% in Group II. Conclusion: SIA is less in 3.2 mm incision as compared to 5.5 mm incision with increase in against the rule astigmatism postoperatively.