Comparison of the predictive refractive error and refractive outcomes using the IOLMaster 500 and Pentacam-AXL Wave

Abstract

Abstract Cataracts are a major cause of morbidity worldwide. More so than ever, clinicians rely on the accuracy of their instruments in predicting refractive error (pred. RE) to ensure optimal post-operative outcomes. Here, we compare the pred. RE accuracy of the IOLMaster 500 against the Pentacam-AXL wave in 92 eyes receiving CNA0T0 + lenses. Our data demonstrates nil significant difference between the two instruments with the IOLMaster 500 pred. REs falling within 0.40D ± 0.31 (SD) of the objective refractive error (obj. RE), compared to 0.42 ± 0.29D (SD) when using the Pentacam-AXL wave (p-value 0.35). Nonetheless, there is a trend of the IOLMaster 500 performing marginally better than the Pentacam-AXL wave, with 71.6% vs. 66.3% and 97.8% vs. 95.7% of pred. REs falling within ± 0.50D and ± 1.00D of their obj. RE respectively. Lastly, the Pentacam-AXL wave frequently calculates more hyperopic pred. RE for a given IOL (> 92%). This results in the Pentacam-AXL wave selecting more a powerful IOLs in most cases (90%), thereby avoiding hyperopic post-operative outcomes. In conclusion, the IOLMaster 500 and Pentacam-AXL wave are comparable in terms of pred. RE accuracy. Nonetheless, clinicians wishing to avoid leaving patients hyperopic may benefit from relying on the pred. RE’s suggested by the Pentacam-AXL wave.