A Comparative Interventional Study of the Changes in Astigmatism and Corneal Aberrations between 2.4mm and 3mm Opposite Clear Corneal Incisions During Phacoemulsification With IoL Surgery In Cataract Patients At SMS Hospital

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the present study was to assess and compare changes in astigmatism and corneal aberrations between 2.4mm and 3mm opposite clear corneal incisions during phacoemulsification with IOL surgery.

Methods: The present study was conducted in the Upgraded Department of Ophthalmology, S.M.S. Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan from 1st November, 2022 to 31st July, 2023 after IEC approval. All patients attending OPD in SMS Medical College, Jaipur Eye department were included. A total of 80 cases were enrolled in the study.

Results: The age distribution revealed that the largest proportion of patients fell within the 61-70 years age group (43.8%), with a relatively balanced distribution between the 2.4 mm (45.0%) and 3 mm (42.5%) groups. The gender distribution was nearly equal, with 47.5% female and 52.5% male patients. Both the 2.4 mm and 3 mm groups had identical gender distributions, with 47.5% of females and 52.5% of males in each group.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated that 3.0 mm OCCIs provide better astigmatic correction and visual outcomes than 2.4 mm OCCIs, with minimal long-term impact on HOAs. The findings reinforce the role of OCCIs as a reliable and accessible technique for managing preexisting astigmatism during cataract surgery. Future research should explore the use of OCCIs in combination with other techniques to enhance outcomes in patients with higher degrees of astigmatism. The 2.4 mm group had slightly more right-eye surgeries (55.0%), while the 3 mm group had a slightly higher proportion of left-eye surgeries (52.5%), showing a well-distributed allocation across both groups.