Pattern of astigmatism using partial coherence interferometry in patients of different age groups undergoing cataract surgery

BACKGROUND: Astigmatism is a refractive error that accounts for 70% of refractive errors in the elderly population. It is important to be aware of the distribution, extent, and type of astigmatism in patients undergoing cataract surgery to guide in reducing postoperative spectacle dependency. AIM: To study the demography, amount, and pattern of astigmatism using partial coherence interferometry in patients of different age groups undergoing cataract surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study. Keratometry and demography data were collected for patients planned for cataract surgery at a tertiary care center between January 2018 and December 2019. It was done with noncontact partial coherence interferometry in patients above 50 years undergoing cataract surgery. RESULTS: Out of 385 patients, 216 (56%) were males and 169 (44%) were females. Astigmatism was more common in males than females (P = 0.00). Against-the-rule (ATR) astigmatism was found in 262 cases (68%), while with-the-rule (WTR) astigmatism was seen in 87 cases (23%). ATR was more common than WTR (P = 0.00). The number of patients with ATR seems to be increased with aging eyes and was more common between 61 and 70 years of age group (P = 0.00). The total amount of astigmatism increased with increasing age (P = 0.00029) which was found to be significant. Frthermore, there was a gradual change of WTR to ATR astigmatism with aging eyes. CONCLUSION: Two hundred and sixty-two cases (68%) had ATR astigmatism mainly seen in the age group of 61–70 years. Majority had astigmatism up to 1.0 D that can be easily managed by simple cost-effective keratorefractive procedures like on-axis incision, opposite clear corneal incision, and limbal relaxing incisions.