Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effects, advantages and disadvantages of phacoemulsification and foldable lens implantation through a temporal clear corneal incision.
Methods: Eight hundreds and twelve patients (845 eyes) underwent phacoemulsification and foldable lens implantation through a temporal clear corneal tunnel incision which has a groove of 0.30 mm deep, a tunnel length of 1.75 mm, an internal opening of 3.20 mm and an external opening of 3.50 mm. The postoperative uncorrected visual acuity, the changes of corneal topography, astigmatism and endothelia were observed.
Results: The proportions of uncorrected visual acuity of 0.5 or better were 61.30% and 79.05% respectively at one day and a month after the operation. Postoperatively, topographical changes displayed temporal flattening near the incision in the early stage. The change of central corneal astigmatism was mild. Endothelial cell loss was 8.23%. The complications included burn of the incision (0.40%), tear of the posterior capsule (1.07%), subluxation of the lens (0.12%), endophthalmitis (0.12%) and cystoid macular edema (0.24%).
Conclusion: The phacoemulsification and foldable lens implantation through a temporal clear corneal incision is convenient and effective.