Comparative Study of Surgically Induced Astigmatism in One and Two Side Port 2.8mm Clear Corneal Temporal Phacoemulsification in Cataract Surgery

Background: Surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) remains a common obstacle for achieving an excellent UCVA (Un Corrected Visual Acuity). The aim of this study is to compare surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) after one or two side ports with clear corneal temporal 2.8 mm phacoemulsification cataract surgery. Methods: Study comprised a multi-centric, nonrandomized prospective consecutive series of 358 eyes of 328 patients between age group of 9 to 71 years who had uneventful 2.8mm main temporal clear corneal incision and one or two side ports phacoemulsification cataract surgery with implantation of aspheric foldable intraocular lens (IOL). All surgery was performed by one experienced surgeon. Surgically induced astigmatism was calculated using Holladay-Carvy-Koch formula method. Results: At 1.5 months, the mean SIA was 0.51 diopter (D) for the one side port incisions and 1.50 D for two side port incisions (P = 0.04). At 3 months, the mean SIA were 0.41 D for one side port incisions and 1.25 D for two side port incisions (P = 0.03). Conclusion: The UCVA was far better in the one side port group, at 1.5 and 3 months post-operatively.