[Surgically induced astigmatism after cataract phacoemulsification].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the astigmatic effect after phacoemulsification depending on size and location of incision. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSIONS: Surgically induced astigmatism can be minimized with incision in clear cornea and no suture.