AIM: To investigate the difference between anterior corneal astigmatism axis and total corneal astigmatism axis, and the related factors.

METHODS: The anterior corneal astigmatism axis and total corneal astigmatism axis in 789 patients(1 141 eyes)of China Medical University Eye Hospital were detected by Petacam and recorded the corresponding age, value of astigmatism, anterior chamber depth, corneal thickness, refraction of cornea and anylized statistically.

RESULTS: We found age was positively correlated with the difference of the anterior corneal astigmatism axis and total corneal astigmatism axis(r=0.139, P<0.001). The value of astigmatism was negatively correlated with the difference of the anterior corneal astigmatism axis and total corneal astigmatism axis(r=-0.293, P<0.05). The anterior chamber depth was negatively correlated with the difference of the anterior corneal astigmatism axis and total corneal astigmatism axis(r=-0.067, P<0.05). And the corneal thickness, refraction of cornea was not significantly correlated with the difference of the anterior corneal astigmatism axis and total corneal astigmatism axis.

CONCLUSION: There is significant difference in the anterior corneal astigmatism axis and total corneal astigmatism axis, and is positively correlated with age, and is negatively correlated with value of astigmatism and the depth of anterior chamber.