Induced astigmatism after near-clear hinge incision.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate astigmatism induced by the near-clear hinge incision.


METHODS
Casa di Cura Villa Toniolo, Bologna, and Day Hospital Nuova Ricerca, Rimini, Italy.


METHODS
The results in 100 eyes having phacoemulsification with a 3.2 or 4.1 mm temporal near-clear hinge incision were evaluated for a maximum of 6 months. Corneal curvature was measured using computerized videokeratography, and surgically induced astigmatism was computed by vector analysis. Surgically induced corneal topographic changes were also evaluated.


RESULTS
Mean induced cylinder in the 3.2 mm incision group was 0.4 diopter (D) +/- 0.2 (SD) 6 months after surgery; there was no significant difference in the values at 4 days and 6 months. Mean induced cylinder in the 4.1 mm incision group was similar at 1 and 6 months (0.47 and 0.45 D, respectively). However, it was significantly higher at 4 days (0.56 D). Vector decomposition analysis showed that the with-the-rule component was prevalent and remained constant over 6 months. Topographic analysis showed localized wound-related flattening with minimal central corneal changes.


CONCLUSIONS
The near-clear hinge incision was almost astigmatically neutral and resulted in self-sealing incisions that did not leak.
Zanini
M
M
Tassinari
G
G
Barboni
P
P
Mularoni
A
A
Della Pasqua
V
V
Bellusci
C
C
D001251:Astigmatism / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D003315:Cornea / Q000473:pathology*; D019781:Corneal Topography; D006801:Humans; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular; D018918:Phacoemulsification / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013536:Suture Techniques