Prospective evaluation of a plate haptic toric intraocular lens

Abstract

Standard intraocular lenses (IOL) only correct the spherical component of aphakic refractive error. This study describes clinical experience with a foldable, injectable, toric IOL. Keratometric, refractive and visual data were collected on patients listed for cataract surgery. Toric IOLs were offered where keratometric cylinder was greater than 1.5 dioptres. Small-incision phacoemulsification surgery was performed and the IOL implanted with its long axis along the steep corneal axis. Post-operative refractive data were compared with pre-operative and expected refraction using vector analysis software. Results of 22 eyes of 16 consecutive patients implanted with toric IOLs are reported. Two IOLs rotated more than 30 degrees in the first 24 h and were re-dialled surgically. Two further IOLs (9%) rotated more than 30 degrees during follow-up. In 21 of 22 eyes (95%) the refractive astigmatism was reduced, with a mean 73% of planned correction (vector analysis) achieved. The toric IOL is a useful surgical tool to reduce the refractive effects of pre-existing corneal astigmatism. Design modification to prevent IOL rotation would make results more predictable.