Visual and Safety Outcomes of Refractive Correction Procedures Following Lens Removal for Residual Refractive Error: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate residual refractive errors after intraocular lens (IOL) extraction and the safety and effectiveness of refractive correction procedures.

METHODS

The eligibility criteria for this systematic review were patients who had undergone cataract or clear lens extraction and had experienced residual refractive error. All study designs were considered for inclusion and non-English publications, non-peer reviewed articles, books, and systematic reviews were excluded. A comprehensive electronic search strategy was employed on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Embase databases from January 1, 1950, to August 1, 2023.

RESULTS

This review examined 55 articles with 2,223 eyes. Piggyback IOL and IOL exchange are highly effective in correcting both myopia and hyperopia, showing significant improvements in spherical and cylindrical errors. Among corneal-based procedures, laser in situ keratomileusis offers a strong balance, with substantial reductions in both spherical and cylindrical errors, along with a favorable safety profile. Small incision lenticule extraction improves uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), particularly in hyperopic patients, whereas photorefractive keratectomy is effective for both UDVA and astigmatism correction, although it has less impact on corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA). Conductive keratoplasty is effective but has greater variability and a higher incidence of complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant improvements in spherical equivalent were consistently observed after treatment across the different procedures. Both UDVA and CDVA demonstrated notable enhancements, suggesting an overall efficacy in improving visual function. Although complications were reported, they were generally low in incidence and varied across procedure types. [J Refract Surg. 2025;41(1):e73-e87.].