Evaluation of Intraocular Lens Power Calculation Formulas for Highly Myopic Eyes: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

Background

The most accurate intraocular lens power calculation formula for highly myopic eyes remains uncertain. The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review and network meta-analysis to compare and rank IOL power calculation formulas in eyes with an axial length greater than 26 mm.

Methods

A literature search was conducted in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science. The main outcome for comparison was the percentage of eyes with a refractive prediction error <0.25 diopters, <0.50 diopters, and <1.00 diopter. A network meta-analysis was performed, and Surface Under the Cumulative Ranking Curve values were calculated to rank formulas across the three prediction error thresholds. Forest plots were generated comparing all formulas with Barrett Universal II as the reference.

Results

Ten studies were finally included. Based on Surface Under the Cumulative Ranking Curve values, Kane and Holladay 1 (with the original Wang-Koch axial length adjustment) ranked among the top three formulas across all prediction error thresholds. Hill-RBF 3.0, EVO, and Barrett Universal II ranked among the top three for the <0.25 diopters, <0.50 diopters, and <1.00 diopter thresholds, respectively. The Kane and Holladay 1 (with the original Wang-Koch axial length adjustment) formulas were the only ones showing odds ratios favouring their accuracy over Barrett Universal II across all prediction error thresholds in the forest plots, although differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

The Kane and Holladay 1 (with the original Wang-Koch axial length adjustment) formulas showed the most consistent performance in highly myopic eyes. Hill-RBF 3.0, EVO, and Barrett Universal II also demonstrated high precision and may be considered reliable alternatives.