Microcoaxial torsional cataract surgery 1.8 mm versus 2.2 mm: functional and morphological assessment

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To compare functional and morphological outcomes of 1.8-mm versus 2.2-mm microincision coaxial cataract surgery (MCCS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty eyes of 30 patients that underwent MCCS were randomized to two groups: 1.8-mm MCCS (group 1: 15 eyes) and 2.2-mm MCCS (group 2: 15 eyes). RESULTS: There were no significant between-group differences in uncorrected visual acuity, best-corrected visual acuity, keratometric astigmatism, and endothelial cell count. One day postoperatively, a greater increase of corneal thickness at the incision site was observed in group 1 compared to group 2 using anterior segment optical coherence tomography with no significant differences in tunnel morphometric features and confocal microscopy showed more tunnel edema in group 1 versus group 2 that resolved in both groups. CONCLUSION: Both 1.8- and 2.2-mm torsional MCCS were safe and efficient with easy surgical maneuvers and excellent functional and morphological results; 1.8-mm MCCS induced slightly greater tunnel edema shortly after surgery that resolved in the medium term.