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Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of 3.2 clear corneal superotemporal incisions on postoperative astigmatism in patients surgically treated with phacoemulsification for cataract extraction, thereby bridging the gap between theory and surgical practice.METHODOLOGY
This quasi-experimental study was conducted in the ophthalmology department of the Medical Teaching Institute, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, from February 2024 to August 2024, following ethical approval and informed consent from the patients. Seventy-three patients presenting with non-complicated and non-traumatic cataracts between the ages of 20 and 85 years were enrolled. Phacoemulsification surgery was performed on these patients of both genders. A 3.2 super temporal clear corneal incision is used during phacoemulsification surgery. Using the Keratometer and comparing the corneal dioptric power along the horizontal and vertical meridians, the pre-and post-operative astigmatism at 3- and 6-month follow-ups was assessed. The data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 25.
RESULTSA total of 73 patients with cataracts were enrolled in this study. The patients' mean age was 61.6 ± 11.9 years. The ratio of male to female was in the ratio of 2:1. The mean pre-operative astigmatism was 0.88±0.4947D. The mean astigmatism after surgery was 1.15±0.748 D, and after 6 months, it decreased to 0.67 D. Following the study, the young surgeons in years 3 and 4 learned about the negating effect of this incision.
CONCLUSION
There was no significant difference in astigmatism when followed postoperatively over an extended period of 6 months with a 3.2 mm supratemporal clear corneal incision during phacoemulsification. The practical aspect of the study yielded more satisfactory results during the training of Postgraduate residents (PGRs).