Intraocular lens power calculation after laser refractive surgery: corrective algorithm for corneal power estimation.

PURPOSE

To evaluate an algorithm for corneal power estimation in intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation after myopic laser refractive surgery using direct corneal measurements.

SETTING

International Vision Correction Research Centre, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.

METHODS

Corneal parameters in normal eyes and eyes of refractive surgery cases were evaluated by rotating Scheimpflug imaging. Corneal optical power (K(optical)) calculated by a Gaussian optics formula was simplified as K(optical) = K(anterior) + K(2) (K(anterior) = anterior corneal power; K(posterior) = posterior corneal power; K(2) = K(posterior)--K(anterior) x K(posterior) x corneal thickness/1.376). The variation and change in K(2) induced by refractive surgery were analyzed. A corrective algorithm to calculate K(optical) using mean K(2) (-6.10 diopters [D]), K(corrective) = 1.114 x measured K - 6.10, was derived based on statistical analysis, which was in accordance with the modified Maloney method. The IOL power after refractive surgery was calculated using K(corrective).

RESULTS

The mean K(2) of normal and post-refractive corneas was -6.10 +/- 0.23 D and -6.16 +/- 0.17 D, respectively (P = .17). The mean refractive surgery-induced change in K(2) was -0.06 +/- 0.10 D. The variations in K(2) were small (95% confident interval, -6.55 to -5.65 [normal cornea]; -6.48 to -5.70 [pre-refractive]; - 6.49 to -5.83 [post-refractive)]. Using K(corrective) for IOL power calculation in post-refractive cases yielded mean absolute prediction errors of 0.58 +/- 0.52 D (Haigis), 0.59 +/- 0.49 D (double-K Hoffer Q), and 0.58 +/- 0.47 D (double-K SRK/T).

CONCLUSION

The algorithm that induced low error in corneal power estimation was relatively reliable in IOL calculation after myopic laser refractive surgery.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.