Corrective techniques and future directions for treatment of residual refractive error following cataract surgery

Abstract

Postoperative residual refractive error following cataract surgery is not an uncommon occurrence for a large proportion of modern-day patients. Residual refractive errors can be broadly classified into three main categories: myopic, hyperopic and astigmatic. The degree to which a residual refractive error adversely affects a patient is dependent on the magnitude of the error, as well as the specific type of intraocular lens the patient possesses. There are a variety of strategies for resolving residual refractive errors that must be individualized for each specific patient scenario. In this review, the authors discuss contemporary methods for rectification of residual refractive error, along with their respective indications/contraindications, and efficacies.

Keywords::

• ametropia
• cataract
• intraocular lens
• laser in situ keratomileusis
• photorefractive keratectomy
• postoperative enhancement
• residual refractive error

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors were supported by the Moran Eye Center, University of Utah (USA). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Key issues

• Risk of residual refractive error can be minimized with careful preoperative evaluation.

• Propensity, category and mechanism of residual refractive error varies by intraocular lens type.

• Conservative, noninvasive treatment through the use of spectacles or contact lenses should always be proposed as a first option.

• Treatment modalities used for correction of residual refractive error must be customized to individual patient characteristics.

• Advances in intraoperative technology have demonstrated the potential to significantly reduce incidence of future cases of residual refractive error.

• Preoperative communication with patients is critical in ensuring that realistic postoperative expectations are realized.

Notes