Introduction to Universal IOL Calculator-Toric
Narrative Responses:
Purpose
To develop a universal IOL calculator, that overcomes some shortcomings of currently available calculators and offers “universal” appeal. The calculator includes data for most IOL manufacturers, allows surgeon selection of the most appropriate toric lens for a given patient and offers other astigmatism reduction methods such as LRI.
Methods
The separation of spherical and astigmatism calculation, as is the norm in current toric calculators, may result in loss of information and accuracy. We combine the spherical and astigmatic calculations and avoid this limitation. We demonstrate where the limiting factors come from and what kind of impact they can have on the refractive outcome, emphasizing that it may alter the lens choice with clinically relevant consequences. We also present a case study of 20 toric patients who were calculated using the online calculators provided by three of the major toric IOL manufacturers, and compare to results obtained by UICT.
Results
We demonstrate that calculators provided by manufacturers may not yield the correct residual astigmatism, and in certain cases may not even yield the correct IOL selection. We also illustrate that other effects, including the effect of the surgically induced astigmatism on the spherical power calculation, may be clinically significant. The use of LRI is integrated and shown to be effective both in conjunction with a toric intraocular lens, as well as in cases in which a toric lens is not suitable.
Conclusion
Combining spherical and astigmatic calculation with a computationally accessible database of toric lenses from all manufactures yield a solid framework for addressing astigmatism, better clinical results and added convenience to patients and surgeons. The UICT (pronounced "wicked") offers surgeons more rigor, more choice and added flexibility in their power calculations.