[Evaluation of astigmatism and blood-aqueous barrier breakdown following procedures in the anterior eye segment].

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the disruption of the blood-aqueous barrier (BAB) and the induced astigmatism following phacoemulsification, trabeculectomy and phacotrabeculectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 141 eyes of patients who underwent different surgical procedures of the anterior segment were examined with the use of computer-assisted videokeratography. All maps were recorded preoperatively, and one and five days after surgery. We also applied a laser flare-meter in 41 eyes in order to quantify aqueous flare following these procedures. RESULTS: The mean surgically-induced astigmatism following conventional trabeculectomy was 2.1 D and 1.4 D one and five days postoperatively, phacoemulsification with sutures 2.7 D and 1.9 D and phacotrabeculectomy 3.0 D and 2.4 D, respectively. Lower values of astigmatism obtained after sutureless phacoemulsification were 0.6 D and 0.3 D one and five days postoperatively, respectively (p < 0.05 vs Phaco+IOL+Trab. group, p < 0.01 vs other groups). It was found that aqueous flare values following phacotrabeculectomy were 58.0 photon counts/milisec.--one day, 39.3--3 days, 24.4--7 days, 20.4--10 days postoperatively. Significantly reduced values were observed after phacoemulsification--27.6 one day after surgery and 17.6--3 days later (p < 0.01 vs Phaco+IOL+Trab.group). CONCLUSIONS: It could be concluded that induced astigmatism and the amount of inflammation were the highest after triple procedure and the lowest after phacoemulsification.