Management of corneal astigmatism after cataract surgery.

High degrees of surgically induced astigmatism following cataract surgery may limit the desired visual rehabilitation. The induced astigmatism is a reflection of the cataract incision, its closure, and subsequent wound healing. Excessively tight sutures induce central corneal steepening. Wound dehiscence and wound gap cause a flattening of the central cornea along this axis. Wound compression steepens the central curvature. The management of induced astigmatism is directed to the underlying problem. Suture cutting and removal will reduce suture compression of the wound. Repair of wound dehiscence and wound gap will reestablish wound integrity. Incisional keratotomy will compensate the corneal steepening induced by limbal wound compression. The reduction of astigmatism aids visual function by realizing the visual potential of the operated eye.