Evaluation of early postoperative astigmatism with respect to anterior chamber opening

Introduction
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 74,5years, who underwent cataract surgery with clear corneal superior (Group 1) or temporal incision (Group2), sclero-corneal tunnel sutureless incision (Group 3) or limbal ECCE incision with x sutures (Group4), 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 group2- 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.