Astigmatism,Visual outcome and complication of small incision extracapsular cataract extraction using the anterior chamber maintainer in mature cataract.

Abstract

Objective : To evaluate the astigmatism , visual outcome and complication of cataract extraction technique using ACM in mature cataract.

Method : Modified Blumenthal technique was performed on 39 patients (42 eyes) from December 2004 through December 2005. The results of the surgery were retrospectively analyzed. The main outcome were preoperative and postoperative keratometry , best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraoperative and postoperative complications. The patients were examined at 1 week, 1, 2 and 6 months postoperatively.

Result : This method of cataract extraction was performed for 42 eyes of 39 patients. The mean surgical induced astigmatism calculated by simple subtraction was 0.29 ± 0.73 D. At one month postoperatively and 26 eyes (61.9 percent) achieved a BCVA of 20/40 or better. Postoperative complications consisted of corneal edema in three eyes (7.14 percent), hyphema in two eyes (4.76 percent), capsule rupture in one
eye (2.38 percent), vitreous loss in one eye (2.38 percent) and iris tear in one eye (2.38 percent). In the six-month follow up peroid, there was no case of corneal decompensation.

Conclusion : Small incision extracapsular cataract extraction using Modified Blumenthal technique, was effective , safe and an economical for the patients with mature cataract. This surgical technique showed a minimal increase in surgical induced astigmatism.