CATARACT-SURGERY AT THE VIRCHOW-CLINIC IN BERLIN - REVIEW OF THE LAST16 YEARS

Purpose: The aim was to compare the different techniques of cataract s urgery regarding early postoperative astigmatism and visual acuity. Pa tients and methods: The data of th ree groups of patients (100 eyes) w ere analyzed retrospectively (1980-1982; 1987-1990; 1991-1993). Three different techniques of cataract surgery were used. Included in the pr ospective study were the data for 285 eyes, which underwent phacoemuls ification, self-sealing incision and controlled induction of astigmati sm. Results: In the time period retrospectively investigated, we found that because of the advancements in operation methods, there was a re duction in the amount of surgically induced astigmatism. From 1980 to 1995 there was a clear increase in the number of patients with early l ow-grade postoperative astigmatism < 1 D (1980-1982: 6%, 1987-1990: 19 %, 1991-1993: 64%, 1994-1995: 84%). There was an improvement in post o perative vision (with correction > 0.5) of 16% in 1980-1982 to 45% fro m 1987 to 1990, 58% from 1991 to 1993, and to 76% in 1994-1995. Conclu sions: Surgically induced astigmatism, which was considered to be a si gn of unwanted increased postoperative astigmatism, was reduced from 1 980 to 1993. Through controlled induction of astigmatism it was possib le to compensate for preoperative astigmatism in the prospective group . Improved surgical techniques led to improvements in early postoperat ive visual acuity.