Astigmatism following small incision cataract extraction through superotemporal incision

To investigate the occurrence of corneal incision-induced astigmatism following small incision extracapsular cataract extraction through a superotemporal incision combined with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.

A total of 255 cases (301 eyes) who received small incision extracapsular cataract extraction through a superotemporal incision with IOL implantation in the Department of Ophthalmology, Yuyan District Hospital of Guiyang were enrolled in this clinical trial. Postoperative best-corrected visual acuity and astigmatism were measured. The patients underwent 24-week follow-up.

In total, 166 patients (65.1%, 166 eyes) completed follow-up. Astigmatism gradually declined between 1 and 12-week postoperatively, and stabilized after 12 weeks. Among 166 patients, 125 (75.3%) had astigmatism > 0.5 D at 24 weeks post-operatively, showing mostly with-the-rule astigmatism. Visual acuity steadily improved up to 12 weeks, and tended to stabilize subsequently. Over the period of 24-week postoperatively, visual acuity was negatively correlated with astigmatism (r = - 0.691, P<0.05).

Superotemporal small incision extracapsular extraction combined with IOL implantation is associated with modest astigmatism which declines over the post-operative period.