METHODS: During the period from June 2015 to January 2019, 117 cataract patients(139 eyes)who underwent cataract surgery in the hospital were divided into group A(n=65, 72 eyes)and group B(n=52, 67 eyes)by random number table method. Groups A and B underwent phacoemulsification through 2.2mm and 3.0mm micro-incision, respectively. The general surgical status, SDES, BUT and curative effect indexes \〖best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), spherical equivalent(SE), endothelial cell density(ECD)\〗 were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS: There was no significant difference in ultrasound time, cumulative released energy, operation time or postoperative complications between two groups(P>0.05). After surgery, SDES scores in both groups were significantly increased, BUT was decreased compared with that at 1d before surgery. At 3mo after surgery, SDES and BUT recovered to preoperative levels. At 1d and 1wk after surgery, SDES score in group A was significantly lower than that in group B, while BUT was significantly higher than that in group B(P<0.05). After surgery, BCVA LogMAR and ECD in both groups were significantly decreased, while SE and corneal diopter were significantly increased, without significant difference between the two groups(P>0.05).

CONCLUSION:The curative effect of phacoemulsification through clear corneal tunnel incision is reliable on cataract. The tear film function is better through 2.2mm micro-incision.