ABSTRACT
Intracapsular cataract extraction, popular during the 1970s, generally utilized a large corneal incision performed superiorly creating an against-the-rule astigmatism as a consequence. The switch to extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation was a real improvement in the quality of vision, but did little to resolve the post cataract astigmatic errors due to the large incisions needed to introduce the IOL. With the introduction of phacoemulsification, and new foldable IOL designs, creating the correct small incision became crucial to determine the successful outcome of the procedure, and minimize the residual amount of astigmatism.
