European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Objective: To study the prevalence, amount and axis of pre-existing corneal
astigmatism in patients undergoing cataract surgery.
Methods: The study was carried out at a tertiary care ophthalmic institute in Prayagraj,
in patients admitted for cataract surgery from July 2017 to December 2017. In this
prospective study, patients aged 36-85 years of both genders were included and
statistically analysed. A Bausch and Lomb Manual keratometer was used for
measurement of keratometry. Only eyes without a previous history of ocular surgery or
any eye abnormality were included.
Results: Out of 997 patients,with-the-rule (WTR) astigmatism was found in 429 patients
(43%) and against-the-rule (ATR) astigmatism was found in 389 patients (39%) while
no astigmatism was found in 179 patients(18%).In females, WTR astigmatism was
found in 226 (41%) eyes; ATR astigmatism in 229 (42%) eyes; and no astigmatism in 94
(17%)eyes. In males, WTR astigmatism was found in 203 (45%) eyes; ATR astigmatism
in 160 (36%) eyes; and no astigmatism in 85 (19%) eyes. The most prevalent
astigmatism in this study was<1D (with average amount of astigmatism +0.80D.)
Conclusion:Most frequently observedpre-existing corneal astigmatism in this study is<1
D.WTR astigmatism is found to be more common in younger patients which shifts to
ATR astigmatism in older patients which is more evident in females. This can be easily
corrected with appropriate measures like limbal or corneal relaxing incisions,excimer
laser refractive procedures,femto laser assisted astigmatic keratectomy or toric IOL
implantation.