AIM: To observe and compare clinical effects of coaxial 1.8mm microincision phacoemulsification and 3.2mm small incision phacoemulsification.

METHODS: A total of 117 eyes of 85 patients with age-related cataract in our hospital were divided randomly into two groups: 43 patients(59 eyes)in the coaxial 1.8 mm microincision cataract surgery group(C-MICS), 42 patients(58 eyes)in the coaxial 3.2 mm traditional small incision cataract surgery group(C-SICS). A total of 117 eyes were received phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation. Uncorrected visual acuity was recorded preoperatively and postoperatively at 1, 7, 30 and 90d. The effective phacoemulsification time and average ultrasound energy were recorded in surgery. Corneal endothelial cell and corneal topography were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively at 90 d.

RESULTS: Uncorrected visual acuity(logMAR)was no overall statistical significance difference between C-MICS group and C-SICS group(P>0.05), but was significant statistical difference in different time-point within both groups(P<0.05). Uncorrected visual acuity in different time-point had nothing to do with corneal wound size in cataract surgery(P>0.05). On the 1 day after surgery, uncorrected visual acuity was 0.16±0.11 in C-MICS group and 0.22±0.18 in C-SICS group(P<0.05). AVE was(7.00±2.72)% in C-MICS group and(6.16±3.16)% in C-SICS group(P>0.05). EPT was(3.09±1.61)s in C-MICS group and(3.20±1.92)s in C-SICS group(P>0.05). At 90 d after surgery, corneal endothelial cell loss percentage was(5.81±2.28)% in C-MICS group and(5.69±2.38)% in C-SICS group(P>0.05), SIA was(0.35±0.11)Din C-MICS group and(0.61±0.13)D in C-SICS group(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: Compared with coaxial 3.2mm traditional small incision cataract surgery, 1.8mm coaxial microincision cataract surgery can get earlier visual rehabilitation and significantly reduce SIA. The coaxial 1.8mm microincision cataract surgery is safe, effective and deserves further clinical applications.