Intraocular lens powers used in the triple procedure. Effect on visual acuity and refractive error.

The refractive results of 43 consecutive triple procedures (transplant, cataract extraction, and lens implant) performed by one surgeon were analyzed. Twenty-one out of 43 eyes achieved refractive errors within 2 diopters (D) of emmetropia. The mean refractive error was -1.79 D, and the mean corneal astigmatic error was 2.75 D. Seventy percent of the eyes achieved 20/40 or better corrected acuity. Forty-four percent had 20/80 or better uncorrected acuity. Using the average postoperative keratometry readings from other recent transplant cases and an updated A constant in the SRK regression formula would have placed 39 of 43 eyes (91%) within 2 D of emmetropia with a mean refractive error of -0.07 D. The use of recent keratometry readings in a multiple regression formula is recommended to improve refractive results with the triple procedure.