Intraocular lens power calculation after myopic excimer laser surgery: clinical comparison of published methods

Abstract

Purpose: To compare results of intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation methods after myopic excimer laser surgery.

Setting: Private practice.

Methods: In this prospective study, eyes having phacoemulsification after myopic excimer laser surgery were classified into Group 1 (preoperative corneal power available, refractive change known), Group 2 (preoperative corneal power available, refractive change uncertain), and Group 3 (preoperative corneal power unavailable, refractive change known even if uncertain). The IOL power was calculated using the following methods: clinical history, Awwad, Camellin/Calossi, Diehl, Feiz, Ferrara, Latkany, Masket, Rosa, Savini, Shammas, Seitz/Speicher, and Seitz/Speicher/Savini.

Results: The lowest mean absolute errors (MAEs) in IOL power prediction in Group 1 (n = 12) and Group 2 (n = 11), respectively, were with the methods of Seitz/Speicher/Savini (0.51 diopter [D] +/- 0.44 [SD] and 0.55 +/- 0.50 D), Seitz/Speicher (0.58 +/- 0.47 D and 0.54 +/- 0.45 D), Savini (0.60 +/- 0.44 D and 0.65 +/- 0.63 D), Masket (0.82 +/- 0.49 D and 0.69 +/- 0.51 D), and Shammas (0.77 +/- 0.43 D and 1.11 +/- 0.50 D). In Group 3 (n = 5), the lowest MAEs were with the methods of Masket (0.23 +/- 0.27 D), Savini (0.49 +/- 0.86 D), Seitz/Speicher/Savini (0.68 +/- 0.36 D), Shammas (0.84 +/- 0.98 D), and Camellin/Calossi (0.91 +/- 0.84 D).

Conclusions: When corneal power is known, the Seitz/Speicher method (with or without Savini adjustment) seems the best solution to obtain an accurate IOL power prediction. Otherwise, the Masket method may be the most reliable option.