Comparative analysis of early distance visual acuity in patients after coaxial phacoemulsification through the micro-incision (1.8 mm) and after standard phacoemulsification through the small incision (2.75 mm).

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of the study was to evaluate early postoperative visual acuity outcomes of coaxial phacoemulsification with a foldable intraocular lens implantation, performed through a 1.8 mm wide clear corneal microincision (C-MICS) and to compare it with standard phacoemulsification through a 2.75 mm incision. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The examined group consisted of a non-randomised, prospective series of 130 eyes of 130 patients who underwent coaxial 1.8 mm microincision cataract surgery with foldable intraocular lens implantation (MI60, Bausch & Lomb). The reference group comprised 123 eyes of 123 patients who underwent standard phacoemulsification through the 2.75 mm incision with foldable intraocular lens implantation (Akreos Adapt AO, Bausch & Lomb). The following parameters were evaluated preoperatively and one day after the surgery: distance uncorrected visual acuity, distance best corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, anterior and posterior segment of the eye. All patients were divided into groups according to the LOCS III scale. RESULTS: The improvement of distance uncorrected visual acuity and distance best corrected visual acuity was observed postoperatively in both groups. The mean uncorrected visual acuity in the examined group was significantly better than in the reference group on the first postoperative day (0.88 +/- 0.18 vs 0.79 +/- 0.26). CONCLUSIONS: The early postoperative visual acuity results of C-MICS were better than the results of standard small incision phacoemulsification. As far as fast visual rehabilitation after MICS is concerned, the early uncorrected visual acuity should be considered as an important yardstick in measuring success in cataract surgery. These results are due to the MICS technique, which seems to be the minimally invasive surgery, and should be regarded nowadays as a procedure of choice.