Postoperative astigmatism using the McIntyre needle

We performed 30 consecutive cataract extractions using two different needle types to assess postoperative astigmatism. In each case, we used a standard corneal incision followed by an extracapsular cataract extraction and the insertion of a posterior chamber intraocular lens. The incisions in group A were closed with the McIntyre needle and in group B with a standard curve needle. We compared the postoperative astigmatism in each group with sutures in at 3 weeks, and when removed selectively by 12 weeks, and found no significant difference.