Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To define the predictive value of immediate post-operative retinoscopy as an indicator of final refractive error after cataract surgery with intraocular lens (IOL) placement. Methods: We have enrolled 70 patients in this prospective, interventional, nonrandomized study to compare the pre-operative targeted refractive error and immediate post-operative retinoscopy measurements to refractive error at post-operative days 7 and 30 in patients undergoing cataract extraction with IOL placement by multiple surgeons at a single academic institution. Keratometry, axial length, type of anesthesia, surgical approach, IOL type, number and location of cornea-scleral sutures, and condition of the cornea were also included for each patient. Results: Immediate post-operative retinoscopy measurements were within 0.50 diopters of spherical power and 0.25 diopters of cylindrical power as compared to the final refractive error at 30 days. The retinoscopy measurements were equal or superior in accuracy to the targeted refractions. Conclusions: Immediate post-operative retinoscopy is a rapid, noninvasive technique that is an accurate indicator of final refractive error in patients undergoing cataract extraction with IOL placement. A surgeon made aware of an unwanted refractive error could perform an immediate IOL exchange, thus sparing the patient a future surgical procedure or long-term contact lens wear.