PURPOSE: Standard intraocular lenses (IOL) only correct the spherical component of aphakic refractive error. This study describes clinical experience with a foldable, injectable, toric IOL. METHODS: Keratometric, refractive and visual data were collected on patients listed for cataract surgery. Toric IOLs were offered where keratometric cylinder was greater than 1.5 dioptres. Small-incision phacoemulsification surgery was performed and the IOL implanted with its long axis along the steep corneal axis. Post-operative refractive data were compared with pre-operative and expected refraction using vector analysis software. RESULTS: Results of 22 eyes of 16 consecutive patients implanted with toric IOLs are reported. Two IOLs rotated more than 30 degrees in the first 24 h and were re-dialled surgically. Two further IOLs (9%) rotated more than 30 degrees during follow-up. In 21 of 22 eyes (95%) the refractive astigmatism was reduced, with a mean 73% of planned correction (vector analysis) achieved. CONCLUSIONS: The toric IOL is a useful surgical tool to reduce the refractive effects of pre-existing corneal astigmatism. Design modification to prevent IOL rotation would make results more predictable.
PURPOSE: Standard intraocular lenses (IOL) only correct the spherical component of aphakic refractive error. This study describes clinical experience with a foldable, injectable, toric IOL. METHODS: Keratometric, refractive and visual data were collected on patients listed for cataract surgery. Toric IOLs were offered where keratometric cylinder was greater than 1.5 dioptres. Small-incision phacoemulsification surgery was performed and the IOL implanted with its long axis along the steep corneal axis. Post-operative refractive data were compared with pre-operative and expected refraction using vector analysis software. RESULTS: Results of 22 eyes of 16 consecutive patients implanted with toric IOLs are reported. Two IOLs rotated more than 30 degrees in the first 24 h and were re-dialled surgically. Two further IOLs (9%) rotated more than 30 degrees during follow-up. In 21 of 22 eyes (95%) the refractive astigmatism was reduced, with a mean 73% of planned correction (vector analysis) achieved. CONCLUSIONS: The toric IOL is a useful surgical tool to reduce the refractive effects of pre-existing corneal astigmatism. Design modification to prevent IOL rotation would make results more predictable.