Purpose: Cataract is the main cause of blindness throughout the world, affecting more than 15 million people worldwide. There are different techniques for extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation. This study aims to compare limbal incision and scleral tunnel incision in planned ECCE. Methods: Fifty-four consecutive patients (59 eyes) with follow-up of 6 months were studied prospectively. ECCE with limbal incision was performed in 30 patients (Group I), and with scleral tunnel incision in 29 patients (Group II). Corrected visual acuity, intraocular inflammation (cells and flare), surgical time, specular microscopy, induced astigmatism and pachymetry were assessed. Results: Surgical time, endothelial cells loss and induced astigmatism were statistically greater in group I than in group II. No significant differences were found between groups when comparing the corrected visual acuity, intraocular inflammation and pachymetry. Conclusions: ECCE with scleral tunnel incision technique offers advantages regarding surgical time, endothelial cells loss and induced astigmatism if compared with limbal incision technique. Surgical steps used in this technique help in transition for phacoemulsification with low cost and a safer way.
Cataract extraction; Phacoemulsification; Intra-ocular lens implantation; Suture techniques
