Surgical Technique

New Axis-Marking Method for a Toric Intraocular Lens: Mapping Method

Deoksun Cha, MD; Su Yeon Kang, MD; Seung-Hyun Kim, MD, PhD; Jong-Suk Song, MD, PhD; Hyo-Myung Kim, MD, PhD

  • Journal of Refractive Surgery
  • May 2011 - Volume 27 · Issue 5: 375-379
  • DOI: 10.3928/1081597X-20101005-01
Rights and Permissions

Abstract

Purpose:

A new axis-marking method, the mapping method, for toric intraocular lens (IOL) implantation is described, and its accuracy is compared with that of conventional methods.

Methods:

For toric IOL implantation, the steepest corneal axis was determined by IOLMaster optical biometer measurement (Carl Zeiss Meditec). Three marking methods for accurate alignment of the IOL astigmatism axis to the steepest corneal axis were evaluated and compared. For method 1, the patient was seated at the surgical table and instructed to gaze at a distant target. Using a toric reference marker, the corneal limbus was marked at the 3-, 6-, and 9-o’clock positions. The goal axis was also marked using a toric axis marker. Method 2 used a horizontal slit beam for reference marking points at 3 and 9 o’clock. Method 3 was the new mapping method, in which an anterior segment photograph was used to identify several reference vessel points and axis marking points and to calculate actual lengths from the reference vessel points to the axis marking points. During surgery, the axis marking points were marked on the limbus of the eye using calipers. The accuracy of the three axis-marking methods was evaluated using anterior segment photographs.

Results:

With method 1, the average axis-marking error was 3.69±1.49°. With method 2, the average axis-marking error was 3.14±1.64°. With method 3, the new mapping method, the average axis-marking error was 2.29±1.06°. The new mapping method was more accurate than methods 1 and 2 (P<.01 and P=.016, respectively, paired t test). Axis-marking errors of the two conventional methods were not significantly different (P=.061).

Conclusions:

The new axis-marking method, which uses distinct conjunctival vessels as a reference point, showed less axis-marking error compared to the conventional methods examined in this study.

AUTHORS

From the Department of Ophthalmology, Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

The authors have no financial or proprietary interests in the materials presented herein.

This paper was presented in part at the Fifth International Meeting on Advanced Cataract & Refractive Surgery; September 24–27, 2009; Seoul, Korea.

Correspondence: Hyo-Myung Kim, MD, PhD, Dept of Ophthalmology, Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, 126-1 Anam-dong 1-ga, Sungbuk-gu, Seoul, Korea 136-705. Tel: 82 2 920 5521; Fax: 82 2 924 6820; E-mail: hyomkim@hanmail.net

doi: 10.3928/1081597X-20101005-01

Healio is intended for health care provider use and all comments will be posted at the discretion of the editors. We reserve the right not to post any comments with unsolicited information about medical devices or other products. At no time will Healio be used for medical advice to patients.

[X]