Astigmatism after phacoemulsification while using superior versus temporal approach

Abstract

Objective: is to assess incidence of surgically induced astigmatism followed by phacoemulsification with clear corneal 3.2mm incision while using temporal and superior approach.

Methodology: Quasi Experimental trial  conducted at ophthalmology department of Ghazi medical collage Dera Ghazi Khan from December 2021 to November 2022 in one year period. Patients were enrolled in two groups, temporal approach with clear corneal incision and superior approach with clear corneal incision was used. Main variables of study were astigmatism (D) after cataract surgery through phacoemulsification. For outcome measure at 1^st postoperative day keratometry was performed and after that followed up at 2 weeks and 8 weeks period. SPSS version 24 was used for data analysis.

Results:  Overall, 250 patients were included in our study. The Group I included 125 patients had 130 eyes. The Group II included 125 patients had 132 eyes. The average age of Group I and Group II was 56.45±3.92 years and 57.97±3.61 years, respectively. (p=0.275). The sex distribution of both the group was almost equal, (p=0.893). Whereas, the mean astigmatism of Group I was less than Group II, as 0.51±0.22 and 0.85±0.29, respectively, (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Clear corneal incision 3.2 mm and temporal approach induces less surgical astigmatism, even it can be used in against the rule astigmatism cases where horizontal meridian is steeper.