COMPARATIVE-STUDY OF INTRAOCULAR-LENS IMPLANTATION THROUGH 3.2-MM AND5.5-MM INCISIONS

Purpose: To prospectively and comprehensively compare the clinical res ults of two small-incision cataract surgery procedures, silicone intra ocular lens (refractive index of 1.46) implantation through a 3.2-mm i ncision and polymethylmethacrylate intraocular lens implantation throu gh a 5.5-mm incision. Methods: Two hundred eyes with cataract randomly were assigned to either procedure. Except for incision size, identica l surgical methods were used in every case. Data on uncorrected and co rrected visual acuity, keratometry, corneal topography, flare-cell mea surement, fluorophotometry, specular microscopy, glare disability meas urement, and photographic examination of intraocular lens decentration were analyzed up to 6 months after surgery. Results: Eyes in the 3.2- mm incision group displayed significantly better uncorrected and corre cted visual acuity in the early postoperative period, lower aqueous fl are intensity and cell counts immediately after surgery, less operativ ely induced astigmatism throughout the study period, and less corneal topographic changes taken 3 months after surgery. No significant betwe en-group differences were noted for other parameters. Complications in the two groups were few and comparable. Conclusion: Both procedures o f small-incision cataract surgery offered satisfactory clinical result s, but 3.2-mm incision cataract surgery allowed significantly earlier recovery of visual function and better preservation of corneal shape.