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

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

Material And Methodology: 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.

Results: 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.

Conclusions: 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.