Treating astigmatism at the time of cataract surgery.

Correcting astigmatism at the time of cataract surgery can be accomplished either by incisional techniques, such as use of a cataract incision for flattening or astigmatic keratotomy, or by implanting a toric intraocular lens. Both methods can reduce mild to moderate astigmatism. For correcting larger amounts of astigmatism, a combination of techniques can produce greater correction. New methods of analyzing the change induced by surgery provide a more complete understanding of the astigmatic change.