Limbal Relaxing Incision during Phacoemulsification for the Correction of Astigmatism

.................................. Purpose: To determine the difference in mean post-operative astigmatism of patients having limbal relaxing incisions with phacoemulsification as compared to phacoemulsification alone for the correction of pre-existing corneal astigmatism. Material and Methods: This study was conducted in the Civil Hospital Karachi Eye Unit II, from 1 st December 2009 1 st December 2010, for duration of 12 months. Patients enlisted for phacoemulsification cataract surgery with coexisting astigmatism were recruited and divided into two groups. Eyes that underwent cataract surgery with limbal relaxing incisions (cataract LRI group) and eyes that underwent cataract surgery only (control group). All patients underwent a comprehensive baseline ophthalmic examination that included uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), manifest refraction, anterior segment slit – lamp examination, 90 D examination of fundus, keratometry and ultrasound biometry. Patients were evaluated at 1 st