Toric IOL vs LRI to correct corneal astigmatism in cataract surgery
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Toric intraocular lens (IOL) implantation compared to incisional surgery to correct corneal astigmatism as part of cataract surgery - A randomised controlled clinical trial comparing a toric IOL with incisional surgery to treat low range of astigmatism during cataract surgery
IRAS ID
220982
Contact name
Vinod Gangwani
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Ashford & St Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
With increasing demands of patients concerning refractive outcome after cataract surgery, toric intraocular lenses that correct corneal astigmatism are introduced more widely to cataract surgery. This should result in less spectacle dependence of patients due to astigmatic correction. However, precise alignment of the cylindrical axis of the intraocular lens (IOL) with the astigmatic axis of the cornea is key for success.
The alternative method to reduce corneal astigmatism as part of cataract surgery is to make relaxing incisions (cuts) on the steeper axis of the cornea. This technique is in use since more than 2 decades and is widely used in clinical routine. As with toric IOLs, precise alignment of the cuts with the axis of astigmatism is essential. Nomograms for these astigmatism correcting incisions are available depending on the extent and the orientation of astigmatism and the age of the patient. The disadvantage of the incisional techniques is the variability of the effect between patients since it depends on factors such as the extent of scarring of the cuts after surgery as well as corneal thickness. Also, there is a tendency for regression of the effect during the first 9 months after surgery. The main advantage is the simplicity of the technique and the low cost.
Purpose of the present study is to compare the astigmatism reducing effect of a toric IOL (B&L) with limbal relaxing incisional surgery.REC name
West Midlands - Black Country Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/WM/0254
Date of REC Opinion
30 Aug 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion