A New Methodology for Evaluating the Potential Impact of Residual Refractive Astigmatism in Pseudophakic Patients.

PURPOSE: To validate a new methodology to evaluate the impact of astigmatism in pseudophakia using an astigmatic defocus curve.

SETTING

Hospital Oftalmológico de Brasilia, Brazil.

DESIGN

Non-randomized cohort study.

METHODS

For every point of the defocus curve, from -2.00 to +3.00 with 0.50D intervals, visual acuity was assessed with optically induced astigmatism (0.50D, 1.00D and 1.50D at 90 and 180 degrees) in pseudophakic patients implanted with a refractive-enhanced intraocular lens.

RESULTS

Twelve patients were analyzed. A statistically significant difference was found between the 90° (ATR) and 180°(WTR) axis with 1.50D astigmatism, providing better visual acuity in ATR astigmatism (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This new methodology is reproducible, useful and may predict residual astigmatism tolerance in pseudophakic patients, which may help with surgery planning and IOL decision-making.