Transconjunctival single-plane sclerocorneal incisions versus clear corneal incisions in cataract surgery.

PURPOSE To compare a transconjunctival single-plane sclerocorneal incision with 2 tiny conjunctival cuts at both ends and a clear corneal incision (CCI) in cataract surgery. SETTING Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan. METHODS Patients having routine cataract surgery were randomly divided into 2 groups based on incision type; that is, transconjunctival single-plane sclerocorneal or CCI. The incidence of intraoperative ballooning of the conjunctiva (chemosis) and the percentage of eyes that required stromal hydration to securely close the wound in each group were recorded and compared. RESULTS Each group comprised 61 eyes (61 patients). No eye in the transconjunctival sclerocorneal group and 6 eyes (9.8%) in the CCI group developed intraoperative conjunctival chemosis (P = .027, Fisher exact probability test). Corneal stromal hydration was required in 2 eyes (3.3%) and 15 eyes (24.6%), respectively (P = .001). CONCLUSION The transconjunctival single-plane sclerocorneal incision was effective and combined the merits of CCI incisions and sclerocorneal incisions.