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Incision size strongly correlated with surgically induced astigmatism
J Refract Surg. 2009;25(1):21-24.
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Microcoaxial phacoemulsification with a 2.2-mm incision produced significantly less surgically induced astigmatism than conventional coaxial phaco with a 3-mm incision.
The study included 44 eyes of 22 patients randomly assigned to undergo cataract removal and IOL implantation through a 3-mm incision in one eye and a 2.2-mm incision in the other eye. Investigators measured keratometric astigmatism before surgery and 6 weeks after
surgery. They used algebraic analysis, vector analysis and aggregate analysis to analyze surgically induced astigmatism.
Data based on algebraic analysis showed an average magnitude of keratometric astigmatism induced by the 2.2-mm incisions was 0.1 D ± 0.08 D. The 3-mm incisions induced an average astigmatic value of 0.32 D ± 0.2 D. The difference was statistically significant (P = .0002).
More study is needed to assess other benefits of the smaller incision, such as wound stability, hermetic sealing and infection prevention.
“Before surgeons consider altering their technique and abandoning established methods, the proposed new technology must be superior, have a relatively easy learning curve and not expose patients to increased risks of surgery,” the study said.