Changes in Corneal Astigmatism after Closing Clear Corneal Incision by Simple Hydration Undergoing Phacoemulsification at the Department of Ophthalmology JPMC

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the mean changes of corneal astigmatism after closing clear corneal incision by simple hydration undergoing phacoemulsification in the eye department of a tertiary care hospital.

Methodology: This was a Quasi experimental study conducted at the department of Ophthalmology, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, Karachi, from 30^th October 2020 to 29^th April 2021. Total 100 patients who underwent phacoemulsification surgery for cataract were included. Changes of astigmatism were measured with Auto-refractometer. Fundus examination was done using +90D lens with a slit lamp. Mean changes in corneal astigmatism were calculated. Pre and post operatively change in astigmatism was compared using paired t-test. Stratification was done. P value ≤0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Results: Mean age was 43.47±11.13 years. There were 54% male and 46% female patients. Mean change of corneal astigmatism was 0.23±0.44 diopter. Mean corneal astigmatism, preoperatively, after 1 week and after 1 month were 1.05±0.05 diopter, 0.69±0.34 diopter and 1.28±0.44 diopter respectively. Highly significant mean difference of corneal astigmatism was observed between preoperatively and after 1 week, preoperatively and after 1 month and also observed between 1 week and 1 month.

Conclusion: Closing clear corneal incision by simple hydration undergoing phacoemulsification was found an effective technique for treatment of corneal astigmatism.

Keywords: Mean Changes, Corneal Astigmatism, Closing Clear Corneal Incision, Simple Hydration, Phacoemulsification