Refractive results after cataract surgery in patients: calculation with Holladay II and Barrett Universal II formulas

Abstract

The refractive result is a criterion for the quality of surgical correction of cataract. The aim of this study was to analyze the refractive results obtained in calculating the optical power of intraocular lens (IOL), by applying the formulas Holladay II and Barrett Universal II, in the treatment of patients. The study was conducted over a period of 2 years and analyzed the results obtained in 235 eyes of 160 patients (80 women and 80 men) who underwent surgery at the MMA Eye Clinic (Sofia) between May 2018 and December 2020. A complete ophthalmological examination was performed. Surgical methods included performing uncomplicated phacoemulsification with intracapsular implantation of intraocular lens (IOL) in all patients. The effectiveness of the applied surgical procedure was determined by the implementation of the intended postoperative result (Target) and achieved postoperative uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA). A month after operation in 49 eyes (85.1%) the UCVA was over 0.8, which is a very good postoperative result. In both applied formulas, the postoperative, refractive results were best in eyes of normal axial length, followed by cases of hyperopic refraction. There was greater inaccuracy in eyes with longer axial length, and lastly there were eyes with hyperopic refraction. The obtained results support the understanding that there is currently no ideal formula to give the desired, postoperative refraction for all eye types. The analysis of postoperative results is essential for modern medical practice.