[Astigmatism at post operational stage after a phacoemulsification cataract removal]

Assessment of post operation astigmatism and dynamics of its reduction within three month after the procedure.

The research included cataract removal in 140 eyes by means of phacoemulsification (100) and extracapsular (40) methods. Central keratotomy and refraction measurements were conducted with a refractor on 2nd, 7th, 30th and 90th day after the procedure.

Average value of postoperative astigmatism after an extracapsular cataract removal was 4.69 D on the second day. After a phacoemulsification without a suture the value was 1.36 D, with a single loop suture -1.98 D, with a single criss-cross suture it was 2.89 D. Two alternative parameters of astigmatism reduction were suggested: a half-value period and a rate of reduction.

Average early postoperative astigmatism values after an extracapsular cataract removal are at least twice as high as in the case of a phacoemulsification cataract removal. A suture applied after a phacoemulsification results in an increase in early postoperative astigmatism. Astigmatism half-value period and rate of reduction provide a good description of the dynamics of postoperative astigmatism reduction.