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A Comprehensive Guide To Managing Astigmatism in The Cataract Patient
A Comprehensive Guide To Managing Astigmatism in The Cataract Patient
A Comprehensive Guide To Managing Astigmatism in The Cataract Patient
A comprehensive guide to
managing astigmatism in the
cataract patient
Expert Rev. Ophthalmol. Early online, 1–6 (2014)
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Michael J Coleman, Improvements in cataract surgery and ophthalmic lens technology have turned cataract surgery
Walter J Stark and into a refractive procedure. Patients are expecting that they will no longer require contact lens
Yassine J Daoud* or glasses for excellent vision. In order to meet the patient’s expectations, the surgeon must be
meticulous with preoperative measurements and precise with the intraoperative alignment of
The Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins
University, Maumenee 327, 600 North
the implanted toric lens. Technological advances in intraoperative aberrometry and image
Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, guidance software will improve intraoperative alignment of astigmatism correcting lens.
USA Despite the improvements in measurements, unforeseen refractive outcomes will occur and it
*Author for correspondence: is critical that the cataract surgeon is equipped to correct any problems. A systematic
Tel.: +1 410 910 2330
Fax: +1 410 910 2393 evaluation should be undertaken to find the source of the error. Complete ocular exam with
ydaoud1@jhmi.edu lens axis measurement, manifest refraction and repeat corneal measurements should be done.
Treatment options to correct residual refractive error include toric lens rotation, laser vision
For personal use only.
KEYWORDS: astigmatism • astigmatism correction • astigmatism management • cataract surgery • misaligned toric
lens • toric intraocular lens
Since the introduction of toric intraocular lens (IOL) in the supine position. Several techniques for marking the ocular
1992 by Shimizu, improvements in IOL design, IOL material, surface have been described. Patients can be marked at the slit
surgical technique and toric calculators have made implanting a lamp or in their stretcher at the horizontal axis or at the 3, 6,
toric lens a great option for correcting corneal astigmatism in 9 o’clock position. These marks can then be used for marking
the cataract patient [9]. In this article, we will discuss preopera- the orientation axis of the toric lens [21].
tive, intraoperative and postoperative considerations when deal- Ocular cyclotorsion alone can result in a measurement error
ing with these patients as well as how to manage residual of 2˚ between corneal markings when compared at two differ-
astigmatism after toric lens insertion. ent time points [22]. To minimize preoperative mark alignment
errors, digital photography is increasingly being used to aid in
Preoperative evaluation alignment [21]. Preoperative digital photography using iris or
During preoperative evaluation for cataract surgery, it is essen- conjunctival vessels as landmarks can minimize marking errors
tial to perform a thorough examination including refraction, and improve postoperative alignment. The preoperative digital
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slit-lamp biomicroscopy, tonometry, fundus examination, ocu- images can be used in concert with software on the operative
lar biometry (corneal topography, keratometry, Scheimpflug microscope to allow precise alignment of the toric lens. Tech-
imaging) and IOL calculations. When considering astigmatism nologies, such as the Verion image guidance system (Alcon, Ft
correction at the time of cataract surgery, it is important that Worth) or Guidance SG3000, can serve as axis alignment
the magnitude and axis of astigmatism be evaluated with at markers or they can also perform intraoperative aberrometry to
least two instruments [10]. Corneal astigmatism can be corrected confirm lens power as well as to align the lens axis (ORA,
with peripheral corneal relaxing incisions, paired clear corneal Wavetec, Aliso Viejo, CA, USA) [22]. During the IOL position-
incisions, toric IOL (monofocal or multifocal) or postoperative ing, the surgeon will see an overlay in the operating micro-
laser vision correction [11–18]. During preoperative counseling scope, which confirms the intended axis of alignment.
with the patient, it is very important to determine the patient’s
visual needs. Operative technique
Once the desired marking system has been applied, the cataract
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Postoperative refractive surprise then an IOL exchange with a monofocal lens or with the appro-
Despite the improvements in measurements, unforeseen refrac- priate toric lens replacement is advocated [29,30].
tive outcomes will occur, with approximately 9% of patients
having more than 5˚ of misalignment, and it is critical that the Early interventions
cataract surgeon is equipped to correct any problems [13]. Lens rotation
A systematic evaluation should be undertaken to find the Once the source of the residual refractive error is identified, a
source of the error [19,23,24]. Complete ocular exam with lens plan of action for treatment can be initiated. If the residual
axis measurement, manifest refraction and repeat corneal meas- refractive error can be treated by rotating the axis of alignment,
urements should be done. Every stage of the planning and exe- then this should be the first choice [31] if the patient is unhappy
cution of a toric IOL can serve as a source of error, which with the refractive results. This is easier in the early postopera-
could lead to toric misalignment or residual uncorrected tive period, and this would be our first choice within the first
astigmatism. 2 months of initial surgical implantation of the toric IOL.
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Preoperatively, measurement errors may occur including We approach the lens rotation procedure in a similar fashion
measurements of the noncentral cornea from poor fixation, to primary toric implantation. The patient should be marked
poor ocular surface or failing to evaluate the posterior cor- preoperatively in the upright position. Once the patient is
nea [19,23,24]. Preoperative errors can be minimized by having an brought into the operating room, the axis of orientation is then
optimal corneal surface. Dry eye and blepharitis should be marked on the cornea. The previous clear corneal incision may
appropriately treated, as this can adversely affect measurements. be opened or the procedure can be done through two paracent-
Using Scheimpflug imaging (Pentacam or Galilei) allows for eses that give easy access to the optic haptic junction. The ante-
assessment of the anterior and the posterior cornea astigmatism. rior chamber is filled with a cohesive viscoelastic. A 27G
The use of at least two keratometry measurements will also cannula on the viscoelastic syringe can be used to inject the
improve measurement accuracy. cohesive viscoelastic under the capsulorhexis edge to separate
Intraoperatively, cyclotorsion [25] can cause misalignment if the lens from the anterior capsule. Cohesive viscoelastic is then
corneal marks are performed while the patient is in the supine injected posterior to the lens to dilate the capsular bag and sep-
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position or if done after peribulbar anesthesia. Care should be arate the IOL from the capsule.
taken when performing preoperative markings. Success has Once the lens is mobile, it is rotated to the correct axis. The
been documented using Nuijts–Lane toric marker, pendular viscoelastic is then removed by bimanual irrigation and aspira-
marker and slit lamp corneal markings [21]. The reference tion. The lens axis is checked against the cornea markings to
marks are then used to align the IOL axis. ensure accurate alignment.
Postoperatively, the lens is more likely to decenter or mis-
align if viscoelastic is left behind the intraocular lens, the ante- Refractive surgery
rior chamber shallows secondary to ocular trauma or a wound If IOL rotation is not adequate to address the residual refrac-
leak or a silicone IOL is used [26]. To minimize this risk, all tive outcome, PRK and LASIK are safe and effective options
OVD should be removed from the capsular bag and an acrylic for correcting small-to-moderate refractive errors. Laser vision
lens should be selected for astigmatism correction. correction addresses both residual spherical and cylindrical
errors. Currently, wavefront-guided and wavefront-optimized
Treatment of residual refractive outcome lasers are not US FDA approved for refractive correction after
Treatment options to correct residual refractive error include toric IOL implantation. There are no data showing superiority
nonsurgical options (e.g., contact lens or glasses) or surgical of custom over conventional LASIK/PRK after toric lens place-
options. The treatment options depend on the patient’s satisfac- ment, but wavefront-guided laser ablations may be beneficial
tion with their visual acuity and their spectacle dependence. Sur- after implantation of an aspheric toric IOL as this may mini-
gical treatment of residual refractive error include piggyback lens mize higher order aberrations [32]. If a wavefront-guided plat-
placement, limbal relaxing incisions (LRI), IOL exchange, toric form is unavailable, we recommend using the laser system that
lens rotation, laser vision correction with photorefractive kera- is available to the surgeon.
tectomy (PRK) or laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). The goal
of any of the treatments is to get the patient to 0.5D or less of IOL exchange
residual astigmatism after the intervention is performed. Prior to If a significant refractive error occurs after primary cataract sur-
selecting a treatment option, it is important to compare pre- gery (>3D), we recommend IOL exchange within the first
and postoperative calculations. After verifying the correctness of 6–8 weeks after cataract surgery. Repeating all calculations is
preoperative calculations, a vector analysis can be performed or advised to ensure accuracy.
the treating physician can contact the IOL manufacturer to find Once the patient is brought into the operating room, the previ-
out the suggested IOL axis adjustment to correct the refractive ous clear corneal incision may be opened or a new 3 mm corneal
error [27,28]. If toric lens rotation does not provide a satisfactory incision is created. The anterior chamber is filled with a viscoelas-
refractive outcome, laser vision correction is recommended as a tic. A 27G cannula on the viscoelastic syringe can be used to
first option. If the patient is not a good refractive candidate, inject the cohesive viscoelastic under the capsulorhexis edge to
separate the lens from the anterior capsule. Cohesive viscoelastic or the refractive vergence formula [29,30]. The patient is dilated
is then injected posterior to the lens to dilate the capsular bag. preoperatively. The incision is created. The anterior chamber is
Once the lens is mobile, the distal haptics are freed from the cap- filled with a dispersive viscoelastic to protect the endothelium.
sule using gentle traction. Once the haptic is freed, it is pulled A dispersive viscoelastic is then used to expand the ciliary sul-
out of the capsular bag. Once both haptics are freed, the lens is cus. Once the lens is selected, it is easy to insert the lens
elevated into the anterior chamber. An IOL fold in the anterior through a 3-mm clear corneal incision. The IOL is then
chamber can be performed or the optic can be cut and the lens injected into the sulcus. The lead haptic is placed directly into
can then be pulled out of the eye through the primary incision. If the ciliary sulcus. The trailing haptic can then be placed by
the haptics are significantly fibrosed into the capsule and they using McPherson forceps, Kuglen or Lester hook. If the lens
cannot be freed, amputation of the haptic at the optic haptic was initially delivered completely into the anterior chamber,
junction can be performed [33]. Once the lens is removed, if the the haptics can be positioned posteriorly to the iris using a
posterior capsule is open (from prior YAG capsulotomy or from Kuglen or Lester hook. The viscoelastic is then removed and
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surgical trauma), anterior vitrectomy is performed. The three- the wounds are checked for integrity.
piece replacement lens can then be inserted into the ciliary sulcus.
Toric implantation in corneal disease
LRI/astigmatic keratotomy Implanting toric IOL is not FDA approved in patients with
In patients who have mild residual astigmatism but may be corneal ectasia or those who have undergone penetrating kera-
deterred by the cost of refractive surgery, LRIs can serve as a safe toplasty. Thus, significant amount of care and extensive discus-
and effective way to treat residual astigmatism [34]. LRIs have sion with the patient are imperative before such a procedure is
fallen out of favor secondary to its less predictable outcomes done. In patients with documented progression of corneal ecta-
compared to toric IOLs. Currently, LRIs are having a resurgence sia or those at risk of graft rejection or failure, toric IOLs are
with the increasing popularity of femtosecond laser-assisted cata- not recommended.
ract surgery. The newer femtosecond lasers create accurate inci- The predictability of astigmatism correction with toric IOLs
sions of predictable depth and length. This appears to show some correction has allowed for successful astigmatism correction in
For personal use only.
promise; however, nomograms are still being developed for this patients who have stable keratoconus and pellucid marginal
treatment modality. Given the less predictable correction of LRIs degeneration [37–40], as well as in patients with prior penetrating
compared to refractive surgery, we recommend refractive surgery keratoplasty [41–43]. Although the surgical technique has minimal
as it corrects both spherical and astigmatic refractive error. modifications, preoperative counseling is important. Issues
related to graft failure and rejection need to be discussed with
Late interventions cornea transplant patients [43]. Loss of the ability to fully correct
In our practice, this tends to be a self-referral for a second astigmatism with the use of rigid contact lens needs to be thor-
opinion in a patient who has had a toric lens placed elsewhere oughly addressed with ectasia and post-keratoplasty patients [44].
and is dissatisfied with the results. These patients tend to come If the patient might need a rigid gas-permeable contact lens to
in for evaluation 6 months to a year after their primary cataract correct irregular astigmatism, a toric IOL should not be used.
surgery. When approaching these patients, the decision is more Prior to considering toric IOL implantation in patients with
nuanced. Again, repeat imaging is performed to assess the cor- corneal ectasia, it is imperative that refractive stability, for at
neal astigmatism, ocular surface and IOL position. The least 6 months, is documented [37]. The treating physician
patient’s old records should be requested. Once all the data are should ensure that the patient is happy with glass correction,
collected, we determine if the implanted lens was correct. If so, because hard contact lenses will leave the astigmatism of the
would a YAG capsulotomy resolve the patient’s symptoms or toric IOL uncorrected [44]. If a toric rigid contact lens cannot
would IOL rotation/exchange improve the refractive outcome? be used, then such patients will likely require the use of glasses
If there is any consideration for an IOL exchange, then a cap- to correct this residual refractive error [44].
sulotomy should not be performed, but many times this has Prior to toric lens implantation in a post-penetrating kerato-
been done prior to the initial exam in this patient population. plasty patient, all sutures should be removed and the patient
should have regular astigmatism on topography [41–43]. A thor-
Piggyback lens ough discussion about potential graft failure, induction of rejec-
Caution is advised if IOL rotation is to be performed in tion and potential increase in astigmatism should be held with
referred patients because of uncertainty of capsular support. If the patient during the surgical consent.
there is significant refractive error, PRK or LASIK can be used.
Rarely, a piggyback IOL may be inserted [35,36]. Even though Expert commentary
this will not address residual astigmatism, it has been proven to Preoperative corneal assessment with Scheimpflug imaging and
successfully reduce spherical error and it can be combined with keratometry will provide the cataract surgeon with the informa-
astigmatic keratotomy. tion necessary to perform successful astigmatism correction
To perform a piggyback IOL placement, the lens power is with a toric lens. It is essential that the preoperative measure-
determined. This can be done by using the Holliday R formula ments and intraoperative alignment are done with precision
and consistency for best outcomes. If an undesired refractive and toric calculators will continue to improve the accuracy of
outcome occurs, appropriate corrective action can be performed IOL selection. There is potential for postoperative refraction
by using a systematic approach to determine the source of modification with the light adjustable lens or mechanically
error. Measurements should be repeated. Vector analysis should adjustable lens [45]. Improved preoperative biometry coupled
be performed to see if IOL rotation will correct the problem. with intraoperative aberrometry or image-guided systems will
If toric lens rotation does not provide a satisfactory refractive minimize the number of refractive surprises after refractive
outcome, laser vision correction is recommended as a first cataract surgery.
option. If the patient is not a good refractive candidate, then
an IOL exchange is recommended. If these steps are followed, Financial & competing interests disclosure
this will allow for prompt correction of the undesired refractive The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with
outcome and reduce the number of subsequent patients who any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial
will likely require additional surgical interventions. conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the
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Key issues
• Greater patient expectation as well as out-of-pocket expense can make toric intraocular lens placement a high-stakes proposition.
• Despite meticulous preoperative toric calculations and intraoperative axis alignment, uncorrected residual astigmatism can occur.
• Postoperative management of residual refractive error with intraocular lens repositioning, laser vision correction or limbal relaxing
incisions can improve patient satisfaction.
For personal use only.
22. Wolffsohn JS, Buckhurst PJ. Objective refractive errors. J Cataract Refract Surg 38. Navas A, Suárez R. One-year follow-up of
analysis of toric intraocular lens rotation and 2005;31(11):2101-3 toric intraocular lens implantation in forme
centration. J Cataract Refract Surg 2010;36: 31. Chang DF. Repositioning technique and fruste keratoconus. J Cataract Refract Surg
778-82 rate for toric intraocular lenses. J Cataract 2009;35(11):2024-7
23. Koch DD, Jenkins RB, Weikert MP, et al. Refract Surg 2009;35:1315-16 39. Nanavaty MA, Lake DB, Daya SM.
Correcting astigmatism with toric 32. Pérez-Vives C, Ferrer-Blasco T, Outcomes of pseudophakic toric intraocular
intraocular lenses: effect of posterior corneal Garcı́a-Lázaro S, et al. Optical quality lens implantation in Keratoconic eyes with
astigmatism. J Cataract Refract Surg 2013; comparison between spherical and aspheric cataract. J Refract Surg 2012;28(12):884-9
39(12):1803-9 toric intraocular lenses. Eur J Ophthalmol 40. Alio JL, Pena-Garcia P, Abdulla Guliyeva F,
•• To improve toric IOL refractive 2014;24(5):699-706 et al. MICS with toric intraocular lenses in
outcomes, it is important to consider the 33. Galor A, Gonzalez M, Goldman D, keratoconus: outcomes and predictability
posterior cornea in your calculations. O’Brien TP. Intraocular lens exchange analysis of postoperative refraction. Br J
Expert Review of Ophthalmology Downloaded from informahealthcare.com by Nyu Medical Center on 10/15/14