Surgically induced corneal astigmatism and associated Factors after small incision cataract surgery at jimma University medical center department of ophthalmology, Ethiopia

Abstract

Cataracts are the primary cause of blindness in the world. Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS) is a commonly used method for cataract surgery, especially in countries with limited resources, delivering impressive visual results without requiring advanced technology. However, a major post-operative issue is the emergence of surgically induced astigmatism (SIA), which can affect visual results and patient satisfaction. Therefore, evaluating SIA and its related factors following MSICS is essential. Objective This study aimed to determine the magnitude and associated factors of surgically induced astigmatism after MSICS at JUMC Department of Ophthalmology from November 2024 to January 2025. Method A prospective cross sectional study design was conducted at JUMC department of ophthalmology from November 2024 to January 2025 on patients undergoing MSICS. By using Consecutive sampling technique data was collected by questioner during preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative period. SIA was calculated using hills SIA calculator version 2.1. The collected data was analysed using SPSS version 26 and univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify associated factors of SIA. RESULT A total of 222 eyes of 193 individuals were studied. The centroid SIA and Aithmethic mean SIA of the study was 1.31D x 5o axis and 2.08 + 1.26D respectively. SIA ranged from 0.13D to 5.65D. Scleral incision length and shape of scleral incisions were major associated factors of SIA from multivariate logistic regression analysis. Conclusion and recommendation Scleral incision length <7mm and frown shaped scleral incisions resulted in lower SIA magnitude. It is recommended to measure the scleral incision length with caliper to minimize SIA in the center.