Incision width after phacoemulsification with foldable intraocular lens implantation

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Technology
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Foldable intraocular lenses (IOLs) are commonly implanted after cataract surgery.
• The method of IOL insertion can potentially influence the integrity of the clear corneal incision (CCI).
• Understanding incision dynamics is crucial for preventing wound-related complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the change in incision size after foldable IOL implantation.
• To compare the effect of insertion method (forceps vs. injector) on CCI size.
• To evaluate the influence of IOL power on incision enlargement.

Main Methods:

• Phacoemulsification was performed on 100 patients, creating a clear corneal wound.
• Incision width was measured pre- and post-IOL implantation.
• Different types of foldable IOLs (silicone, acrylic) with varying optic diameters were inserted using either forceps or an injector.

Main Results:

• Forceps insertion of 5.5 mm optic diameter IOLs (silicone and acrylic) resulted in a 4.4-6.2% increase in wound size, dependent on IOL power.
• Injector insertion of silicone IOLs (5.5 mm and 6.0 mm optic diameters) caused a smaller wound enlargement of 3.2-3.3%.
• No significant difference in wound enlargement was observed with higher IOL powers when using an injector.

Conclusions:

• Clear corneal incisions predictably enlarge following foldable IOL insertion.
• Forceps insertion leads to greater incision enlargement compared to injector insertion.
• IOL power influences wound enlargement when using a forceps, but not with an injector.