Uncorrected visual acuity in the immediate postoperative period following uncomplicated cataract surgery: bimanual microincision cataract surgery versus standard coaxial phacoemulsification

Abstract

Aim We compared bimanual microincision cataract surgery (MICS) and standard coaxial phacoemulsification (CAP) in terms of uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) recorded 1 h and 2 weeks postoperatively. Methods This was a prospective, nonrandomised comparative study. All MICS procedures were performed by one surgeon (MGM), and all CAP procedures were performed by another surgeon (SB). Eyes with visually consequential ocular morbidity were excluded. The primary outcome measure was UCVA recorded 1 h postoperatively. Results One hundred eyes underwent MICS and CAP (50 eyes in each group). The treatment groups did not differ significantly in terms of preoperative mean best corrected visual acuity (6/24 ± 4.3 lines and 6/20 ± 4.4 lines in the MICS and the CAP groups, respectively; P = 0.65). Also, there was no significant difference in terms of postoperative UCVA at 1 h or at 2 weeks (mean ± standard deviation UCVA 1 h postoperatively: MICS: 6/36 ± 5.7 lines; CAP: 6/30 ± 4.7 lines; P = 0.80; UCVA 2 weeks postoperatively: MICS: 6/10 ± 1.9 lines; CAP: 6/10 ± 2.2 lines; P = 0.90). However, nine eyes (18%) and one eye (2%) achieved a UCVA of ≥6/12 at 1 h following MICS and CAP, respectively, and this difference was statistically significant (P = 0.02). Conclusion Mean UCVA at 1 h and at 2 weeks following cataract surgery was not significantly different between eyes undergoing MICS and CAP. However, a greater proportion of patients achieved a UCVA of ≥6/12 following MICS when compared with CAP.