Pre-clinical estimation of the intraocular lens A-constant, and its relationship to power, shape factor, and...

Calculating the intraocular lens power for a particular patient requires an empirical "lens constant" to estimate the final axial location after surgery. This is normally calculated from clinical results for each new lens style, but it can also be estimated without clinical data by comparing a new style to an existing style. The lenses are axially positioned in a model eye at comparable locations, and image distances are used to estimate the change in lens constant. The A-constant used by the SRK/T calculation method is evaluated here, but this can be easily converted for other calculations using an average eye. Raytrace calculations demonstrate the method, and also illustrate the effects that refractive index, shape factor, and asphericity have on the refractive error. Actual lens measurements at 35°C in saline are preferable if details of the reference lens are uncertain.