Correlation between keratometry and corneal incision before and after phaco surgery

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Innovation
• Corneal Physiology

Background:

• Cataract surgery aims to restore vision by removing the clouded lens.
• Postoperative astigmatism is a common complication that can impair visual outcomes.
• Minimizing refractive errors after cataract surgery is essential for patient satisfaction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of corneal incision placement on refractive changes after phacoemulsification.
• To establish the relationship between corneal incision type and postoperative astigmatism.
• To evaluate keratometric shifts following different corneal incision techniques.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 300 patients undergoing phacoemulsification cataract surgery.
• Preoperative and postoperative measurements included visual acuity, refraction, and keratometry.
• A 3.2 mm corneal incision was performed without sutures at supratemporal and temporal sites.

Main Results:

• The supratemporal corneal incision resulted in the greatest mean change in corneal power (1.28±0.6).
• Keratometry demonstrated a statistically significant correlation with the corneal incision site.
• No major intraoperative or postoperative complications were reported in the study cohort.

Conclusions:

• Corneal incision characteristics significantly influence postoperative refractive outcomes in cataract surgery.
• Supratemporal incisions may induce greater changes in corneal power compared to other sites.
• Careful consideration of incision placement is vital for reducing postoperative astigmatism and optimizing visual results.