Comparison of effective phaco time and ultrasound time among 2.8 mm and 2.2 mm phacoemulsification in various grades of cataract

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the effective phaco time (EPT) and ultrasound time (UST) between phacoemulsification incisions of 2.8 mm and 2.2 mm among different grades of cataract and analysis of phacoenergy used. Materials and Methods: A prospective, interventional study was done on 300 eyes of 300 patients. Among them, 150 patients underwent 2.8 mm incision (Group-A), and 150 patients underwent 2.2 mm incision (Group-B) phacoemulsification. Cataract was graded into nuclear sclerosis (NS) 1–5 and white soft cataract. Phaco parameters were noted as EPT and UST in seconds. Statistical analysis was done using unpaired t-test using SPSS software. Results: Higher mean EPT and UST values were noted in 2.2 mm group than in 2.8 mm group in all grades of cataracts. On comparing the difference between two groups, higher mean values of EPT and UST in 2.2 mm incision were statistically significant in cataracts of NS Grade - 3, 4, and 5 (P < 0.001). However, the higher mean values in NS-2 and soft cataracts were statistically insignificant. Early postoperative striate keratopathy was noted in five patients in Group-A (2.8 mm) and ten patients in Group-B (2.2 mm). Conclusion: Dissipation of energy was higher in terms of EPT and UST in 2.2 mm group with statistically significant higher mean values in grades of NS-3, 4, and 5 concluding that 2.8 mm incision would be a safer option among higher grades of cataract.

Keywords

• 2.2 mm incision
• 2.8 mm incision
• microincision cataract surgery
• phacoemulsification