[A dynamic study on the surgically induced astigmatism after phacoemulsification through three different-sized scleral tunnel incisions].
OBJECTIVE
To compare the changes in the values and directions of surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) after phacoemulsification with three different-sized scleral tunnel incisions and to evaluate their clinical results.


METHODS
The patients were divided into three groups; the length of the scleral tunnel incision was 3.2, 5.5 and 7.0 mm respectively in A, B and C groups. Keratometry measurements were obtained preoperatively, at postoperative 1 week, 1 month and 6 months respectively. SIAs were analyzed by "Cravy vector method". The mean SIA and uncorrected visual acuity were compared among the groups up to 6 months postoperatively.


RESULTS
Eyes in A group displayed significantly less mean SIA and better uncorrected visual acuity than B and C groups at 1 week postoperatively (P < 0.05), but there were no significant differences between any groups at 1 month, 3 months and 6 months postoperatively (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in the mean SIA and uncorrected visual acuity between B and C groups throughout the whole study period (P > 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
SIAs in eyes of 3.2 mm incision group of phacoemulsification are less and more stable; a better and quicker rehabilitation of uncorrected visual acuity can be obtained in the early postoperative period.
Wang
J
J
Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Second Hospital of Shandong Medical University, Jinan 250033, China.
Chen
W
W
Li
J
J
Zhang
D
D
Sun
J
J
Dong
X
X
D001251:Astigmatism / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018918:Phacoemulsification / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012590:Sclera / Q000601:surgery*; D014792:Visual Acuity