AIM: To investigate the effect of phacoemulsification with steep meridian transparent corneal incision on visual function, corneal astigmatism and tear film changes.

METHODS: A total of 106 cataract patients(106 eyes)who underwent phacoemulsification in our hospital from January 2019 to December 2020 were selected as research objects, and they were divided into observation group and control group according to the operation mode: with 51 patients in the observation group who were treated with steep meridian transparent corneal incision, and 55 patients in the control group who were treated with transnasal transparent corneal incision. The changes of visual function, corneal astigmatism and tear film between the two groups were compared before operation and at 1wk, 1 and 3mo after operation.

RESULTS: There was no statistical difference between the operation of two groups(all P>0.05). The visual acuity was significantly improved at 1wk, 1 and 3mo after operation, and it was better in the observation group than that in the control group. Mean defect(MD)of visual field was significantly lower, and it was significantly lower in the control group(all P<0.05); The corneal astigmatism AKP(+0)of the two groups was significantly lower at 3mo after operation, and the observation group was significantly lower than the control group(P<0.05). There was no statistical difference in corneal astigmatism AKP(+45)(P>0.05); Schirmer Ⅰ test(SⅠt)value increased first and then decreased, and the valley value was at 1wk after operation; Tear film break-up time(BUT)decreased first and then increased, and the valley value was at 1wk after operation. SⅠt in the observation group was lower than that in the control group at each time point(all P<0.05), while BUT in the observation group was higher than that in the control group at each time point(all P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: Steep meridian transparent corneal incision phacoemulsification surgery is beneficial to improve the postoperative visual function of patients, reduce postoperative corneal astigmatism, reduce the damage to the patient's tear film function, and promote its recovery.