Extra large temporal tunnel cataract extraction [ETCE]

Purpose: To determine the outcomes of extra large temporal sclero-corneal tunnel incision Cataract Surgery.

Materials and Methods: This consecutive case series of eyes undergoing temporal tunnel cataract extraction with tunnel length of 8 to 10 mm was identified retrospectively. Surgical procedure details, follow up, complications, visual and astigmatic outcomes at 6wks were recorded and analysed.

Results: Ninety six eyes with extra large tunnel incision were identified for analysis from a dataset of 670 manual small incision cataract surgery cases. 58% eyes had NO5 or denser cataracts. Intraoperative complications included, tunnel related problems (1 eye, 1.04%), bleeding into Anterior Chamber (10 eyes, 10.4%), Posterior Capsular Rent (2 eyes, 2.1%). Early postoperative complications included striate keratopathy (7 eyes, 7.3%). The mean Best Corrected Visual Acuity was 6/7.5 (0.1 logMAR) and 98% cases had Best Corrected Visual Acuity of 6/12 (0.3 logMAR) or better at 6wk. The aggregate Surgically Induced Astigmatism was 0.32D at 850.

Conclusion: Extra Large Tunnel of length 8 to 10 mm can be self sealing with low SIA. The complication rates and visual outcomes of ETCE are comparable to those of conventional MSICS. This method can be valuable in complicated cases and during learning period.