Refractive stability after cataract extraction using a 6.5-millimeter scleral pocket incision with horizontal or radial sutures.

BACKGROUND Radial suturing of 6.5-millimeter scleral tunnel incisions following cataract surgery can create significant with-the-rule astigmatism in the immediate postoperative period. Because of the significant visual distortion and slow visual recovery seen with radial suturing, this study was undertaken to compare two other suturing techniques which induce lesser amounts of with-the-rule astigmatism in the immediate postoperative period. METHODS The refractive behavior of eyes closed with loose radial sutures and with horizontal sutures was compared to the behavior of eyes closed with the more traditional "tight" radial sutures following phacoemulsification surgery. RESULTS Eyes sutured with loosely tied radial sutures demonstrated minimal with-the-rule cylinder immediately following surgery (1.25 D) and showed a more rapid stabilization of astigmatism than did the eyes tied with tight radial sutures, 2 months versus up to 6 months. However, the eyes tied with horizontal sutures, which showed no induced with-the-rule astigmatism at the time of surgery, showed even more rapid stabilization between 5 days and 1 month from the time of surgery. CONCLUSION To get the most rapid visual rehabilitation following cataract surgery, a wound closure which generates no induced with-the-rule cylinder such as horizontal sutures would be required.