Comparison of the Astigmatic Power of Toric Intraocular Lenses Using Three Toric Calculators

Comparison of two swept-source optical coherence tomography devices, a Scheimpflug camera system and a ray-tracing aberrometer in the measurement of corneal power in patients with cataract

PURPOSE

To assess the differences and similarities in the corneal curvature obtained by two swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) devices, Scheimpflug imaging system and one ray tracing aberrometer in patients with cataracts. Moreover, this study aimed to compare the differences in posterior corneal (PK), total corneal (TK) and true net power (TNP) measurements among the IOLMaster 700, CASIA2, and Pentacam.

METHODS

A total of 200 eyes of 200 patients (116 female, 58%) were enrolled in this study, with a mean age of 65.9 ± 9.5 years. The flattest (Kf), steepest (Ks), and mean cornal powers (Km), J0, and J45 were obtained using two SS-OCT-based biometric devices, one rotating camera system and one ray-tracing aberrometer. The PK, TK and TNP values were also measured using these devices. To evaluate the differences and similarities between the devicves, the Friedman test, Pearson correlation coefficient (r), intraclass coefficient correlation (ICC) and Bland‒Altman plots with 95% limits of agreement (LoA) were used, and boxplots and stacked histograms were generated to describe the distributions of the data.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between the IOLMaster 700 and Pentacam for any of the keratometry values. Additionally, there were no significant differences between the IOLMaster 700 and iTrace in evaluating J0 and J45. Bland‒Altman plots revealed relatively wide LoA widths, almost larger than 1 diopter for the keratometry values and almost larger than 0.5 diopter for J0 and J45 values among the four devices. In terms of PK and TK values, significant differences and low ICCs were found among the three devices.

CONCLUSIONS

Although strong correlations and good agreement were found among the IOLMaster700, CASIA2, Pentacam and iTrace for Kf, Ks, Km and J0, J45, it seems that the measurements should not be used interchangeably because of the wide LoA widths and the presence of significant differences among the devices. Similarly, due to significant differences and low ICCs, the PK, TK and TNP values obtained by IOLMaster 700, CASIA2, and Pentacam should not be used interchangeably.

Toric intraocular lens: A literature review

Toric intraocular lenses (IOLs) are universally recommended in cataract cases with preoperative corneal astigmatism ≥1.5 D. An optimal surgical outcome depends on careful patient selection, complete preoperative evaluation, accurate IOL power calculation, precise marking of the axis, meticulous intraoperative approach, and methodical postoperative care. Understanding the importance of posterior corneal astigmatism, surgically induced astigmatism, and effective lens position in IOL power calculation and newer techniques to measure them directly have resulted in better postoperative refractive outcomes. We present a brief overview of toric IOLs along with the preoperative evaluation, IOL power calculation, different marking methods, intraoperative approach, and postoperative outcomes. Functional and anatomical outcomes, including uncorrected visual acuity, residual refractive astigmatism, and postoperative IOL misalignment, which have been reported for both toric IOLs and multifocal toric IOLs, are reviewed.

Clinical evaluation of toric intraocular lens implantation based on iTrace wavefront keratometric astigmatism

Background

Currently, there is no standard technique for determining corneal astigmatism. The iTrace wavefront aberrometry of cornea calculated steep power and axis based on the best Zernike mathematical fit from all topo data within 4 mm circle. It was supposed to be more accurate than iTrace simulated keratometry which was calculated based on only 4 points on the circle of 3 mm. This aim of this study was to evaluate visual outcomes and rotational stability after toric intraocular lens (IOL) implantation using the wavefront aberrometry of the cornea with iTrace.

Setting: Single site in China, Shanxi Eye Hospital, Shanxi, China.

Design: Prospective case series.

Methods

The study included 85 eyes of 63 patients undergoing phacoemulsification and toric IOL implantation. The IOL power and cylinders were chosen with the help of the iTrace toric planning program using wavefront keratometric astigmatism. Astigmatic changes were assessed using Alpins vector method over a 3-month follow-up period.

Results

Preoperative mean corneal topographic astigmatism was 1.91 diopters (D) ± 0.69 (standard deviation). Postoperative mean refractive astigmatism decreased significantly to 0.48 D ± 0.34. Surgical induced astigmatism was 1.73 D ± 0.77 and the mean correction index was 0.89 ± 0.22, showing a slight undercorrection. The proportion of astigmatism ≤0.50 D increased from 0 to 71.8% postoperatively.

Conclusions

This is the first study on evaluation of clinical outcomes of toric IOL implantation in corneal astigmatism patients using iTrace wavefront keratometric readings. The findings show that use of iTrace built-in toric calculator is safe and effective for planning toric IOL surgery for wavefront keratometric astigmatism.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN94956424, Retrospectively registered (Date of registration: 05 February 2020).

Astigmatism Management with Intraocular Lens Surgery

Corneal astigmatism is common. More than 40% of patients undergoing cataract surgery have 1 diopter (D) power or more of astigmatism, which left untreated is visually significant. Because toric intraocular lenses (IOLs) are available, the current standard of care is to offer treatment of astigmatism at the time of cataract surgery. PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase databases, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched from inception to October 2019. Search words included astigmatism, corneal astigmatism, toric IOLs, alignment, and IOL calculation. Studies evaluated included review articles regarding the origin and history of astigmatism, the diagnosis and management of the disease, and the history of surgical management options for astigmatism. Other studies evaluated in this review included clinical trials, meta-analyses, and retrospective analysis of surgical refractive outcomes. Prediction of refractive outcomes was evaluated with a review of IOL calculators and their use in lens prediction for cataract surgery. Evaluation of these articles also showed improved uncorrected visual acuity with the use of toric IOLs in patients undergoing cataract surgery. New diagnostic technology, new toric IOLs, updated lens formulas, intraoperative guidance, and advanced imaging technology and software have contributed to improvements in the surgical correction of astigmatism.

Corneal Astigmatism Measurements Comparison among Ray-Tracing Aberrometry, Partial Coherence Interferometry, and Scheimpflug Imaging System

Purpose

To investigate interdevice agreement among corneal topography/ray-tracing aberrometry (iTrace), partial coherence interferometry (IOLMaster), and Scheimpflug imaging (Pentacam) for the measurement of corneal astigmatism.

Methods

The analysis included 90 eyes of 90 subjects without ocular disease. The main outcome measures were corneal cylinder power and axis of astigmatism. All corneal astigmatism measurements were converted to two perpendicular components by using vector analysis. Interdevice agreement was assessed using Bland–Altman analysis, paired sample t-test, and one-way analysis of variance.

Results

No significant interdevice difference existed in the astigmatism magnitude, cardinal component, and oblique component (all P > 0.05). On comparing iTrace wavefront and simulated keratometry (SimK) astigmatism, significant differences were observed in the astigmatism magnitude and oblique component (both P < 0.01), but not in the cardinal component (P=0.687). On comparing Pentacam pupil 3 mm and corneal vertex 3 mm axial astigmatism, significant difference was observed in the astigmatism magnitude (P < 0.001), but not in the cardinal and oblique components (both P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The iTrace, IOLMaster, and Pentacam devices could be used interchangeably for corneal astigmatism measurement. However, the measurement difference in iTrace wavefront and SimK astigmatism and Pentacam pupil 3 mm and vertex 3 mm axial astigmatism should be considered in clinic practice.

Optimizing outcomes with toric intraocular lenses

Toric intraocular lenses (IOLs) are the procedure of choice to correct corneal astigmatism of 1 D or more in cases undergoing cataract surgery. Comprehensive literature search was performed in MEDLINE using “toric intraocular lenses,” “astigmatism,” and “cataract surgery” as keywords. The outcomes after toric IOL implantation are influenced by numerous factors, right from the preoperative case selection and investigations to accurate intraoperative alignment and postoperative care. Enhanced accuracy of keratometry estimation may be achieved by taking multiple measurements and employing at least two separate devices based on different principles. The importance of posterior corneal curvature is increasingly being recognized in various studies, and newer investigative modalities that account for both the anterior and posterior corneal power are becoming the standard of care. An ideal IOL power calculation formula should take into account the surgically induced astigmatism, the posterior corneal curvature as well as the effective lens position. Conventional manual marking has given way to image-guided systems and intraoperative aberrometry, which provide a mark-less IOL alignment and also aid in planning the incisions, capsulorhexis size, and optimal IOL centration. Postoperative toric IOL misalignment is the major factor responsible for suboptimal visual outcomes after toric IOL implantation. Realignment of the toric IOL is needed in 0.65%–3.3% cases, with more than 10° of rotation from the target axis. Newer toric IOLs have enhanced rotational stability and provide precise visual outcomes with minimal higher order aberrations.