AIM: To study an approach to visual acuity correction after intracapsular cataract extraction by phase-II intraocular lens implantation through the individualized arcuate keratotomy.

METHODS: For demonstration, 48 postoperative patients(50 eyes)receiving the intracapsular cataract extraction were gathered up. Each patient received a scleral tunnel major incision along the radial line of the maximum corneal refractive power determined by a cornea curvimeter, and a arcuate keratotomy was made opposite to the major one; through the major incision an iris-claw intraocular lens is implanted. Each patient was measured for their corneal astigmatism and uncorrected visual acuity before and after the surgery.

RESULTS: The results suggested the average corneal astigmatism before the surgery and that 3d, 1, 3, 6 and 12mo after the surgery as +3.18±0.68, -1.56±0.73, +0.87±0.51, +1.21±0.70, +1.33±0.68 and +1.48±0.48 respectively. The uncorrected visual acuities 3d, 1, 3, 6 and 12mo after the surgery are 0.5±0.38, 0.56±0.23, 0.55±0.24, 0.52±0.28 and 0.51±0.25 respectively.

CONCLUSION: Phase-II intraocular lens implantation witharcuate keratotomy is helpful to improve the postoperative visual acuity and reduce preoperative corneal astigmatism after the intracapsular cataract extraction aphakic eyes, It is also a low-cost surgery, and easy to perform, with minor surgical injuries, particularly available for surgical visual acuity correction of the aphakic eye receiving intracapsular cataract extraction.