Surgically Induced Astigmatism of Temporal Versus Nasal Clear Corneal Phacoemulsification

To compare the short-term astigmatic outcomes of phacoemulsification cataract surgery and intraocular lens implantation using temporal versus nasal clear corneal incisions.

In a clinical trial, consecutive eyes with senile cataract underwent phacoemulsification with implantation of a 6.0 mm foldable hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lens through a 3.2 mm horizontal clear cornea incision at 180 degrees (temporal incision in right eyes, nasal incision in left eyes). Keratometric astigmatism was measured preoperatively and one and four weeks and 6 months after surgery. Surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) was calculated by the vector analysis method using the Holladay-Cravy-Koch formula. Patients with history of diabetes mellitus, connective tissue disorders, steroid use, previous ocular surgery, with the rule astigmatism >1D, pseudoexfoliation and any corneal pathology were excluded.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All the patients with senile cataract

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previously operated eyes
• Presence of corneal pathology
• Pseudo exfoliation
• With-the-rule (WTR) astigmatism >1 D
• Presence of diabetes mellitus
• History of connective tissue disease
• Consumption of systemic steroids