Corneal incision width after lens implantation: Comparing delivery systems

Purpose To compare corneal incision width after phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation (IOL) using different delivery systems. Methods One hundred and seventeen patients with cataract and no other anterior segment pathological features or previous eye surgery underwent cataract surgery with IOL implantation through a 2.2 mm incision. Three foldable IOL were implanted with their recommended delivery systems: Acrysof© SN60WF with Monarch© III/cartridge D (Group A, 38 patients); Tecnis© ZCB00 with Unfolder Platinum/cartridge easy load (Group B, 38 patients); Acrysof© SN60WF with Ultrasert™ preloaded system (Group C, 42 patients). Incision width was measured before and after phacoemulsification and IOL implantation. Results Before and after phacoemulsification incision width was, respectively, 2.21 ± 0.02 mm and 2.34 ± 0.08 mm in group A; 2.20 ± 0.02 mm and 2.31 ± 0.06 mm in group B; 2.20 ± 0.02 mm and 2.30 ± 0.07 mm in group C. Incision width was not significantly enlarged after phacoemulsification. Before and after IOL implantation incision width was, respectively, 2.34 ± 0.07 mm and 2.47 ± 0.07 mm in group A; 2.32 ± 0.06 mm and 2.45 ± 0.08 mm in group B; 2.30 ± 0.07 mm and 2.39 ± 0.07 mm in group C. Incision widths in group C were significantly different to groups A and B. No relationship was found between incision sizes and phacoemulsification time, ultrasound energy and IOL powers. Conclusion In cataract surgery Ultrasert™ enlarges the corneal incision less than other delivery systems.