AIM: To evaluate toric intraocular lens(IOL)implantation as a treatment of regular corneal astigmatism during phacoemulsification.

METHODS: Forty-seven eyes in 41 patients with cataract and corneal astigmatism had toric IOL(22 eyes)or spherical IOL(25 eyes)implantation during phacoemulsification. Outcome measures were uncorrected distance visual acuity(UDVA), best-corrected distance visual acuity(BCDVA), postoperative refractive cylinder, toric IOL axis rotational stability and complications.

RESULTS: Six months postoperatively, the mean UDVA was(0.73±0.37)in toric IOL group and(0.47±0.18)in spherical IOL group; the UDVA was better than 0.50 of 81.8% and 32.0% in two groups, respectively. The residual astigmatism was(0.53±0.40)D in toric IOL group and(2.13±0.76)D in spherical IOL group. The mean toric IOL misalignment was(4.22±1.46)degrees.

CONCLUSION: Implantation of toric IOL during cataract surgery is effective, predictable and safe in correcting corneal astigmatism.