Relaxing incisions can improve performance of multifocal IOL, study suggests

MUNICH, Germany — Limbal relaxing incisions to reduce astigmatism may improve outcomes with the Array multifocal IOL, according to a study presented here.

Anil Aralikatti, MD, and colleagues prospectively evaluated the use of limbal relaxing incisions (LRIs) during cataract surgery in 15 patients with more than 1 D of astigmatism. He presented the results here at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons meeting.

The average patient age was 77, and seven patients were male. Corneal astigmatism was measured using the Orbscan II. LRIs were applied based on a modified Koch nomogram that accounts for both the type of astigmatism and age of the patient, Dr. Aralikatti said.

Postoperatively, astigmatism was reduced an average of 0.89 D (45%), Dr. Aralikatti said. There were no intraoperative complications.

Visual acuity improved in all eyes postoperatively. Eleven patients (73%) had uncorrected distance visual acuity of 6/9 or better, and 12 patients (80%) had uncorrected near vision of J3 or better. Mean astigmatism was reduced from 1.96 D to 1.07 D postop.

Good results were also seen in assessment of visual function, with 14 patients (93%) rating their visual function at 90 or better on a scale to 100.

Dr. Aralikatti said patient satisfaction was high. About half the patients did not require glasses for reading, and 73% needed reading glasses less than half of the time.

“The use of LRIs extended the benefit of the Array multifocal IOL,” he said, although he conceded that additional study is needed.