Use of presbyopia-correcting intraocular lenses in patients with prior corneal refractive surgery

Corneal refractive surgery has achieved spectacle-free vision for millions of patients, but this aging population is now developing cataracts. Many of these patients may wish to avoid reliance on glasses after cataract surgery. Presbyopia-correcting intraocular lenses (IOLs) offer a solution, but corneal changes after refractive surgery may compound higher order aberrations and dysphotopic symptoms associated with these IOLs. This review aims to discuss potential factors that could aid in determining suitable postkeratorefractive candidates for presbyopia-correcting IOLs.

Studies investigating which preoperative measures influence outcomes are lacking. The few studies that have examined presbyopia-correcting IOLs in postkeratorefractive patients report that satisfactory outcomes are possible. However, recommendations for preoperative thresholds appear limited to expert opinion and studies involving virgin corneas.

As the number of presbyopia-correcting IOLs and postkeratorefractive patients grows, continued investigation into relevant preoperative factors and appropriate IOLs is required to make evidence-based decisions. The current literature shows that with rigorous counseling and appropriate patient selection, presbyopia-correcting IOLs can provide postkeratorefractive patients with satisfactory results and spectacle independence. In addition, the development of postoperative modifiable IOLs may prove to be the preferred option.