Outcomes and Surgically Induced Astigmatism in Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Various Scleral Incision Techniques

Purpose: To evaluate visual outcomes and surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) following manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS) using three different scleral incision geometries: straight, frown, and chevron. Methods: In this prospective, randomized clinical trial, 150 patients with age-related cataracts were assigned to one of three incision groups (straight, frown, and chevron). All surgeries were performed by a single surgeon using a standardized technique. Visual acuity (VA) and keratometric readings were measured preoperatively and at multiple postoperative intervals, with the primary outcomes being the uncorrected and best-corrected VA (UCVA and BCVA) and SIA at 30 days. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: There were 50 patients in each group. All the patients had preoperative VA