Acomparative Study of Surgically Induced Astigmatism in Superiorversus Superotemperal Incision in Small Incision Cataract Surgery in Govt. Siddartha Medical College, Vijayawada

Aim: To determine the amount and type of surgically induced astigmatism (SIA),in superior and superotemparal sclera incisicion in small incision cataract surgery. Methods: A prospective randomized comparative clinical study. Study was done on a total number of 100 patients aged 40y and above with senile cataract. 50 cases were randomly assigned superior sclera group and other 50 cases were allotted to superotemporal scleral incision. SICS with PCIOL implantation were performed through unsutured 6.5mm scleral incision in all 100 patients. Patients were examined post operatively 1 st day,5 th day, 2 nd week,4 th week after surgery. Results: Post operatively after 4 weeks Superior group 80% of patients had ATR astigmatism and super temporal incision group 86% of the patients had WTR astigmatism, though majority of patients had ATR Astigmatism preopratively.The mean SIA in SUPERIOR INCISION GROUP is 1.10D ±0.600 AND IN TEMPORAL GROUP 0.65±0.370 Witch is comparatively less (p<0.005.) After 4 weeks 52%of superior group had visual activity better than 6/9 in temporal group 82% had visual acuity better than 6/9(p<0.001). Conclusion: In conclusion superior sclera incision induces ATR astigmatism, super temporal incision induces lower WTR astigmatism. Which is advantageous, most elderly patients have preoperative ATR astigmatism. Visual rehabilitation is better in superotemporal incision than superior incision.