Changes in astigmatism after congenital cataract surgery and intraocular lens implantation using scleral tunnel incision

Abstract

Purpose. To evaluate the post-operative changes in astigmatism in pseudophakic eyes in children. Only eyes with astigmatism of 3.0 D or more were included in the study. Methods. The charts of children who had undergone surgery for non-traumatic cataract, using a scleral tunnel method were retrospectively reviewed. In 11 eyes with astigmatism of 3.0 D or more, the refraction was tested and recorded at 1 week, 3 months and 5 months post-operatively. The paired t-test was used to compare between the variables. Results. Mean astigmatism 1 week post-operatively was 5.8 ± 3.6 D (range 3.0-14.0 D). Thereafter, the astigmatic component of the refractive error underwent a spontaneous steady decline, reaching a mean value of 2.1 ± 1.3 D (range 1-4.0 D) 5 months after surgery. The change in the difference between the mean values at 1 week and at 5 months was statistically significant (P < 0.005). Conclusion. Children who underwent congenital cataract surgery and intraocular lens implantation showed a significant spontaneous reduction in astigmatism post-operatively.