The study evaluates amount and direction of postoperative astigmatism after usually performed techniques of cataract surgery.
Material and methods: 90 consecutive patients (120 eyes) mean aged 74.5 years, who underwent cataract surgery with clear corneal superior (Group 1) or temporal incision (Group 2), sclero-corneal tunnel sutureless incision (Group 3) or limbal ECCE incision with x sutures (Group 4), were examined with respect to postoperative astigmatism. Anterior chamber opening was determined by primary astigmatism and nucleus hardness. All measurements were performed based on keratometry.
Results: The highest mean value of with the rule astigmatism was assessed in Group 4. From the other hand, the least value were determined in group 2--95% with the rule and 5% oblique and in group 1--40% with the rule, 40% against the rule 20% oblique. In group 3, the value of postoperative astigmatism was higher, as compared with Group 1 and 2. It was assessed with similar proportion as in Group 1.
Conclusions: At present cataract surgery techniques are not free of induced astigmatism. Study demonstrates significance of preoperative primary astigmatism assessment, with respect to surgery technique, to avoid postoperative astigmatism.