[Refractive outcomes and precision in toric intraocular lens alignment using an automated alignment system]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Technology
• Optics

Background:

• Toric intraocular lenses (TIOLs) correct astigmatism during cataract surgery.
• Accurate alignment of TIOLs is crucial for achieving desired refractive outcomes.
• Current methods for TIOL alignment include manual ink marking and digital marker systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the precision of TIOL alignment and refractive outcomes between an intraoperative automated digital marker system and conventional manual-ink marking.
• To evaluate the accuracy and reproducibility of TIOL placement using two different marking techniques.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study comparing a digital marker system (Verion®) with manual ink marking (Pendular marker) for TIOL alignment.
• Patients with corneal astigmatism >1 diopter undergoing cataract surgery were included.
• Measurements included TIOL axis error, visual acuity, and residual astigmatism at 3 days, 1 month, and 6 months post-surgery.

Main Results:

• The digital marker group showed significantly lower mean TIOL axis error at 1 month (2.6° vs 6.4°, P=0.009) and 6 months.
• The rate of misalignment ≤5° was higher in the digital group (86%) compared to the ink-marking group (63%, P=0.05).
• No significant difference in mean residual astigmatism was observed between the groups.

Conclusions:

• Intraoperative digital marker systems provide superior TIOL alignment accuracy and reproducibility compared to manual ink marking.
• Digital systems enhance precision in toric intraocular lens implantation.
• This technology may lead to improved refractive outcomes in astigmatism correction.