·AIM:To research the relationship between the astigmatism of anterior corneal surface and overall astigmatism,and provide the reference for the refractive surgery design.·METHODS:Totally 358 eyes were enrolled.The astigmatic degree and axis of anterior corneal surface were obtained by the corneal surface topography examination with an topographer(TMS-4,TOMEY company,Japan);the degree and axis of the overall astigmatism were from cycloplegic refraction by an automatic refractor(RM8 000,TOPCON company,Japan).·RESULTS:The ratio of the overall astigmatism and the astigmatism of anterior corneal surface was 0.811±0.665.In 150 eyes with overall astigmatism less than 0.50D,the differences of astigmatic degree and axis between two astigmatisms were significant respectively;there was positive correlation in astigmatic degree and axis.In 122 eyes with overall astigmatism between 0.50D and 1.00D,significant difference was found in astigmatic degree but not in axis between two astigmatisms.There was no correlation in astigmatic degree and positive correlation in astigmatic axis.86 eyes with overall astigmatism more than 1.00D,significant difference was found in astigmatic axis but not in degree;There were positive correlation in astigmatic degree and axis.·CONCLUSION:The posterior corneal surface and crystalline compensate for the astigmatim of anterior corneal surface.The astigmatism of anterior corneal surface is positively correlated with the overall astigmatism.The higher the astigmatic degree,the higher the correlation.Corneal refractive surgery may be designed better according to the overall astigmatism.The incision location in refractive lens exchange and cataract surgery is determined by the astigmatism of anterior corneal surface.·