Comparative study of astigmatism through superior and lateral small incisions.

PURPOSE

To prospectively compare the clinical results of two cataract surgery procedures through a 4.0-mm incision, differing only in the wound location (superior or lateral).

METHODS

168 eyes with cataract were randomly assigned to either procedure. Except for incision location, surgical methods were identical. Uncorrected visual acuity, keratometry and postoperative astigmatism were analyzed up to six months for after surgery.

RESULTS

Both groups had similar uncorrected visual acuity. Eyes in the superior incision group had significantly larger "against-the-rule" changes than those in the lateral incision group, and differences were significant at all measurement points from one week through six months after surgery. Patients with preoperative "with-the rule" astigmatism had smaller postoperative astigmatism after a superior incision and those with preoperative "against-the rule" astigmatism had less postoperative cylinder after a lateral incision. Differences between these groups were significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Both procedures gave satisfactory clinical results. Postoperative astigmatism could depend on the preoperative astigmatism and the wound location.