Dr. (Brig) Parthasarathi Moulick, M05674, Dr. (Lt Col) Alok Sati
Purpose: To analyze prevalence and presentation patterns of corneal astigmatism (CA) in cataract surgery candidates. Methods: Keratometric values were measured in patients before cataract extraction. Descriptive statistics of CA were analyzed and correlated by ages. Results: Mean CA of 223 eyes of 223 patients [mean age 61±10 years (range, 29 to 85 years)] was 0.88±0.61 (95% CI, 0.80-0.96) with 27.8%, 51.1% and 21.1% having with the rule (WTR), against the rule (ATR) and oblique astigmatism (OBL) respectively.
Between 40 and 50 years, ATR exceeds WTR and reaches 100% by 80 years. A trend of less negative CA was seen upto 60 years and then increases upto 90 years. CA was absent in 17.5% of eyes, between 0.25 and 1.25 diopters (D) in 63.7% and ≥ 1.50 D in 18.8% of eyes.
Conclusions: Considering CA < 1.25 D in majority of cataract surgery candidates, it is preferable to perform inexpensive keratorefractive procedures rather expensive toric IOLs, especially in developing world.