[Surgically induced astigmatism after cataract phacoemulsification]

To evaluate the astigmatic effect after phacoemulsification depending on size and location of incision.

Three groups of 30 patients each: In 1st group with scleral tunnel incision enlarged to 6 mm with continuous cross-like suture at 12 o'clock; In 2nd group with 3.2 mm scleral incision without suture at 12 o'clock; In 3rd group with 3.2 mm superotemporal incision in clear cornea, no suture. Postoperative astigmatism was examined by keratometry after 1 day, 1 week and 1 and 3 months post surgery. Surgically induced astigmatism was calculated by polar values method.

After 3 months observation the lowest mean postoperative corneal astigmatism was achieved in group III. The SIA was 0.71 in group III, 1.08 in group I and 0.95 in group II. The differences between group III and groups I, II were statistically significant.

Surgically induced astigmatism can be minimized with incision in clear cornea and no suture.