Corneal topographic changes after phacoemulsification through steep axis incision

To evaluate the effect of 5.5 mm sutured and 4.0 mm sutureless corneal incisions after phacoemulsification on corneal topograpy.

Twenty eyes of 20 patients that underwent phacoemulsification with IOL implantation were randomly divided into two. The first group received a PMMA IOL through a sutured 5.5 mm corneal incision. The second group received a foldable hydrophilic acrylic IOL through a sutureless 4.0 mm incision. Complete ocular examination and computerized corneal topography (Keratron Corneal Analyzer, Software version 3.2, Optikon 2000, Italy) were performed preoperatively, at 1 week, and 1 month postoperatively. The Maloney indices [best fit sphere (BFS), best fit cylinder (BFC) and topographic irregularity (TI)] were provided by the Keratron Corneal Analyzer.

There was no statistically significant difference in the mean BFS between the groups preoperatively (p = 0.305), at postoperative week 1 (p = 0.362), and at postoperative month 1 (p = 0.160). The BFC was significantly higher in the 5.5 mm incision group than in the 4.0 mm incision group preoperatively (p = 0.025), however, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups at postoperative week 1 (p = 0.909), and at postoperative month 1 (p = 0.382). There was no statistically significant difference in the mean TI between the groups preoperatively (p = 0.494) and at postoperative week 1 (p = 0.271). However the mean TI at postoperative month 1 was significantly higher in the 5.5 mm incision group than the 4.0 mm incision group (p = 0.05).

The 5.5 mm sutured incisions caused an increase in TI at 1 week and 1 month postoperatively. For a more rapid visual rehabilitation, 4.0 mm sutureless incisions are recommended.