Astigmatism after extracapsular cataract extraction with intraocular posterior lens implantation

PURPOSE: To evaluate early and late astigmatism appearing after extracapsular cataract extraction with PC IOL implantation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Astigmatism was examined in one hundred consecutive patients before operation and one week, 6 months and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: During the first week after surgery most patients (82%) had with the rule astigmatism, which decreased gradually from 3.95 D cyl (mean value) to 0.08 D cyl after a year. Against the rule astigmatism was present in 14% of cases and increased from 2.40 D cyl (mean value) to 3.07 D cyl in the same period of time. On the last examination 35% of patients didn't use any astigmatic correction. CONCLUSIONS: Traditional ECCE with PC IOLs causes postoperative astigmatism in most patients. Majority of them has with the rule astigmatism, which decreases gradually during the first postoperative year and may change into against the rule astigmatism.