Limbal relaxing incision during cataract surgery.

Limbal relaxing incisions are one of the more commonly performed procedures with phacoemulsification to correct preexisting astigmatism during cataract surgery. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect and stability of limbal relaxing incisions in reducing preexisting astigmatism at the time of phacoemulsification. The study included 10 eyes in 12 patients who underwent limbal relaxing incisions during cataract surgery, with preexisting astigmatism of 1-2 diopter (D). Assessments were made preoperatively, and 1 and 3 months postoperatively. Outcome measures included uncorrected distance visual acuity, best corrected distance visual acuity and keratometric astigmatism measures. The mean preoperative and postoperative refractive astigmatism was 1.50 D (+/- 0.75D) and 0.25 D (+/- 0.25 D), respectively. There were no serious postoperative complications. Limbal relaxing incisions provide a viable option for correcting preexisting astigmatism at the time of cataract surgery with mild complications.