[Refractive changes following cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation].

Refractive changes after six cataract surgery procedures with intraocular lens implantation were assessed; namely, (1) 11 mm incision with running suture closure (n = 25 eyes), (2) 6.5 mm incision with running suture closure (n = 23). (3) 6.5 mm incision with horizontal suture closure (n = 21), (4) 6.5 mm incision without suture closure (n = 40), (5) 5.5 mm incision without suture closure (n = 46), and (6) 3.2 mm incision without suture closure (n = 46). The axis-based keratometric cylinder, absolute value of the induced cylinder vector, and spherical equivalent of the refractive power were analyzed up to 6 months after surgery. Refractive changes did not reach a stable state at 3 months postoperatively for the 11 mm and 6.5 mm running suture closure groups, but they stabilized at 3 months postoperatively for the 6.5 mm horizontal suture and sutureless closure groups, at 1 month postoperatively for the 5.5 mm sutureless closure group, and at 2 weeks postoperatively for the 3.2 mm sutureless closure group. It is concluded that the timing of refractive stabilization differs significantly among procedures, and smaller incisions with wound closure methods which do not exert a vertical force cause fewer postoperative refractive changes.