Comparing surgically induced astigmatism calculated by means of simulated keratometry versus total corneal refractive power

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate surgically induced astigmatism as computed by means of either simulated keratometry (KSIM) or total corneal refractive power (TCRP) after temporal incisions. Methods: Prospective observational study including 36 right eyes undergoing cataract surgery. Astigmatism was measured preoperatively during the 3-month follow-up period using Pentacam. Surgically induced astigmatism was computed considering anterior corneal surface astigmatism at 3 mm with KSIM and considering both corneal surfaces with TCRP from 1 to 8 mm (TCRP3 for 3 mm). The eyes under study were divided into two balanced groups: LOW with KSIM astigmatism <0.90 D and HIGH with KSIM astigmatism ≥0.90 D. Resulting surgically induced astigmatism values were compared across groups and measuring techniques by means of flattening, steepening, and torque analysis. Results: Mean surgically induced astigmatism was higher in the HIGH group (0.31 D @ 102°) than in the LOW group (0.04 D @ 16°). The temporal incision resulted in a steepening in the HIGH group of 0.15 D @ 90°, as estimated with KSIM, versus 0.28 D @ 90° with TCRP3, but no significant differences were found for the steepening in the LOW group or for the torque in either group. Differences between KSIM- and TCRP3-based surgically induced astigmatism values were negligible in LOW group. Conclusion: Surgically induced astigmatism was considerably higher in the high-astigmatism group and its value was underestimated with the KSIM approach. Eyes having low astigmatism should not be included for computing the surgically induced astigmatism because steepening would be underestimated.