Article

Multiple factors determine residual refractive error

Attention to a host of preoperative and intraoperative factors can minimize the risk of residual refractive error after cataract surgery, but when a refractive surprise occurs, there are multiple variables to consider before deciding on intervention according to one expert.

According to national benchmarks, cataract surgeons should aim for the achieved refraction to be within 0.5 D of the target about 55% of the time and within 1.0 D in about 85% of cases.

Dr. Arbisser said that, in her hands and based on analysis of data for all comers, she well exceeds these targets with 85% of eyes achieving a refraction ±0.5 D of the target and 99.2% having a RRE <1.0 D.

Preventive strategies

"Although we cannot bill for this procedure, it may be worth obtaining an axial length measurement with [partial coherence interferometry] when patients present with early cataractous changes, even if surgery is not yet contemplated, just in case the patient does not return before the cataract becomes super dense," Dr. Arbisser said.

Related Videos
(Image credit: Ophthalmology Times) Neda Shamie_Controversies in Modern Eye Care 2025
(Image credit: Ophthalmology Times) World Cornea Congress IX: Epi-on and accelerated crosslinking with Kenneth Beckman, MD
(Image credit: Ophthalmology Times) The synergy of cornea, cataract, and refractive surgery through the decades: insights from George O. Waring IV, MD
(Image credit: Ophthalmology Times) AGS 2025: A look at Gemini and the MIGS revolution with Mona Kaleem, MD
(Image credit: Ophthalmology Times) AGS 2025: Development and evaluation of an AI model to set target IOP with Jithin Yohannan, MD, MPH
(Image credit: Ophthalmology Times) NeuroOp Guru: The role of muscle biopsy in heteroplasmy detection
© 2025 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.