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Kelman lecturer works toward improving accuracy of IOL calculation
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BOSTON — Warren E. Hill, MD, has a vision for improving accuracy of IOL power calculation through mathematical “brute force” and algorithmic finesse.
Warren E. Hill
Hill and an “algorithm dream team” have been working on a proof of concept project that moves beyond modern theoretical calculation formulas to predict IOL power with greater accuracy. The method relies on radial basis functions (RBFs) to replicate the nonlinear relationships inside the eye.
For his innovative efforts, Hill was honored to give the Charles D. Kelman Innovator’s Lecture at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery annual meeting.
“We’ve developed a self-validating methodology that improves refractive accuracy,” Hill said in his lecture. “Our line in the sand was that we had to be 90% within a half a diopter.”
Using only three measured variables — axial length, central corneal power and anterior chamber depth — the RBF model performs at least on par with the most advanced theoretical formulas, Hill said.
“RBF IOL power calculations represent a robust approach based on data interpolation, pattern recognition with a validating boundary model, which is important for patient safety, and physician confidence,” Hill said. “The response and accuracy of this type of method is mostly driven by the quality and diversity of the data used.”
This is only a first effort, Hill said.
“We have a lot of work to do before this is ready for prime time, but I’m very excited about this. There may come a time when the calculation of IOL power will become as accurate as measuring axial length,” Hill said.
Disclosure: Hill has no relevant financial disclosures.