Visual Acuity, Complications and Astigmatism from Small-incision Cataract Surgery Using Anterior Chamber Maintainer in Hypermature Cataract

Abstract

The purpose of this retrospective descriptive study was to evaluate the visual acuity, complications and astigmatism of cataract extraction technique using ACM in hypermature cataract. Smallincision ECCE using ACM was performed on 83 patients (83 eyes) from March 2008 through March 2010. The results of the surgery were retrospectively analyzed. The main outcomes were preoperative and postoperative best corrected visual acuity, keratometry, intraoperative and postoperative complication. The patients were examined at 1 week, 1, 2, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. The result showed that the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA ) at six months was 20/50 or better in 56 eyes (67.47%). The intraoperative and postoperative complications consisted of capsule rupture in four eyes (4.81%), vitreous loss in four eyes (4.81%), hyphema in one eye (1.21% ), corneal edema in five eyes (6.03%) and phacodonesis in two eyes (2.41%). Within the six month follow up peroid, there was no case of corneal decompensation. At six months postoperatively, surgical induced astigmatism was between 0.00 to 1.00 diopter. The mean induced astigmatism calculated by simple subtraction was 0.22 ± 0.19 diopter.

Small-incision ECCE using ACM was effective, safe and an economical technique for the patients with hypermature cataract. This surgical technique showed a small increase in surgical induced astigmatism and achieved good visual outcomes. No serious complications occurred.