Residual refractive errors in pseudophakic eyes and related factors: a population-based study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Refractive Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Cataract surgery is a common procedure to restore vision.
• Accurate intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation is crucial for achieving desired refractive outcomes.
• Residual refractive error can impact visual quality and patient satisfaction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the residual refractive error in pseudophakic eyes after cataract surgery.
• To investigate the relationship between residual refractive error and factors such as age, sex, and axial length (AL).
• To assess the accuracy of IOL power calculations in a specific population.

Main Methods:

• A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Tehran, Iran.
• Participants aged 60 years and above were recruited using multi-stage stratified random cluster sampling.
• Refractive results of pseudophakic eyes with best-corrected visual acuity of 20/32 or better were analyzed.

Main Results:

• The mean spherical equivalent (SE) refraction was -0.34±0.97 diopters (D).
• Approximately 80% of eyes had a residual SE within ±1.00 D of emmetropia.
• Increasing age and AL > 24.5 mm were associated with decreased predictability of refractive outcomes.

Conclusions:

• The accuracy of IOL power calculation is lower for individuals who underwent cataract surgery within the last 5 years in Tehran.
• Age and axial length are significant factors influencing refractive predictability after cataract surgery.
• Disproportionate IOL power relative to eye conditions and age may contribute to refractive errors.