Combined toric intraocular lens implantation and relaxing incisions to reduce high preexisting astigmatism

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate whether combining toric intraocular lens (IOL) implantation with astigmatic keratotomy (AK) can correct higher levels of astigmatism while minimizing undue effects on the optical qualities of the cornea.

Setting: St. Luke's Cataract and Laser Institute, Tarpon Springs, Florida, USA.

Methods: Thirteen eyes with corneal astigmatism greater than 2.50 diopters (D) (mean 5.54 D) had implantation of a Staar toric IOL combined with AK.

Results: All eyes had less than 1.00 D of refractive astigmatism postoperatively. Sixty-nine percent achieved an uncorrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better, and no patient lost best corrected visual acuity.

Conclusions: Implanting a toric IOL in patients with high astigmatism reduced the amount of incisional surgery required. Combining techniques can correct all or most of even very high astigmatism (>5.00 D) while avoiding induced corneal irregularities.