Intraocular Lens Power Calculation Formulas in Children-A Systematic Review

Wiktor Stopyra1,2, Andrzej Grzybowski3,4

  • 1MW-Med Eye Centre, 31-416 Krakow, Poland.

PubMed

Insights

The Barrett Universal II formula is most accurate for pediatric intraocular lens power calculation. Holladay 1 also provides good outcomes, but formula choice remains debated for pediatric cataract surgery.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Pediatric Surgery

Background:

  • Accurate intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation is critical for successful phacoemulsification, especially in pediatric cases.
  • Various formulas exist for IOL power calculation, each with varying degrees of accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate and compare the accuracy of commonly used IOL power calculation formulas in pediatric eyes.
  • To identify the most reliable formula for IOL power selection in children undergoing cataract surgery.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic literature review of studies published between 2019 and 2024 was conducted.
  • Searches included databases like PubMed, Crossref, and Google Scholar using keywords related to IOL power calculation and pediatric cataract surgery.
  • Fourteen recent, peer-reviewed papers with large sample sizes were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Formulas were assessed based on mean absolute error (MAE) and the percentage of predictions within ±0.5 D and ±1.0 D.
  • Hoffer Q showed the best MAE most frequently, followed closely by SRK/T and Barrett Universal II.
  • Barrett Universal II demonstrated the best results for predictions within ±1.0 D, with Holladay 1 also performing well.

Conclusions:

  • The Barrett Universal II formula appears to be the most accurate for pediatric IOL power calculation.
  • The Holladay 1 formula also offers very good postoperative outcomes.
  • Consensus on the optimal formula for pediatric IOL power calculation is still lacking.