OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the disruption of the blood-aqueous barrier (BAB) and the induced astigmatism following phacoemulsification, trabeculectomy and phacotrabeculectomy. METHODS 141 eyes of patients who underwent different surgical procedures of the anterior segment were examined with the use of computer-assisted videokeratography. All maps were recorded preoperatively, and one and five days after surgery. We also applied a laser flare-meter in 41 eyes in order to quantify aqueous flare following these procedures. RESULTS The mean surgically-induced astigmatism following conventional trabeculectomy was 2.1 D and 1.4 D one and five days postoperatively, phacoemulsification with sutures 2.7 D and 1.9 D and phacotrabeculectomy 3.0 D and 2.4 D, respectively. Lower values of astigmatism obtained after sutureless phacoemulsification were 0.6 D and 0.3 D one and five days postoperatively, respectively (p < 0.05 vs Phaco+IOL+Trab. group, p < 0.01 vs other groups). It was found that aqueous flare values following phacotrabeculectomy were 58.0 photon counts/milisec.--one day, 39.3--3 days, 24.4--7 days, 20.4--10 days postoperatively. Significantly reduced values were observed after phacoemulsification--27.6 one day after surgery and 17.6--3 days later (p < 0.01 vs Phaco+IOL+Trab.group). CONCLUSIONS It could be concluded that induced astigmatism and the amount of inflammation were the highest after triple procedure and the lowest after phacoemulsification.