Paying attention to precision correcting surgery for cataract associated with corneal astigmatism

Corneal astigmatism in patients with cataract is very common, but it could not be accurately corrected during previous cataract surgery, which usually affects the visual quality seriously.The accurate measurement of corneal astigmatism power and meridian before surgery is key to the effective correction of astigmatism during the cataract surgery by either the determination of astigmatic keratotomies or the selection and implantation of toric intraocular lenses (IOL). The combination of IOL Master for sphere, the Pentacam for the total corneal refractive power and VERION Digital Marker for surgical orientation can provide promising refractive examination, treatment and good postoperative outcomes.Preexsisting astigmatism can be corrected during cataract surgery by modifying incision, performing arcuate keratotomy, or implanting a toric IOL.Femtosecond laser arcuate keratotomy combined with phacoemulsification is an effective, safe and precise method for the correction of low to moderate corneal astigmatism power, and it can improve visual acuity in cataract surgery candidates.Further work is required to establish corneal biomechanics numerical simulation and nomography protocol for cataract refractive surgery so as to improve the predictability and accuracy of femtosecond laser-assisted astigmatic keratotomy during refractive cataract surgery.

Cataract/surgery; Astigmatism, corneal; Femtosecond laser/therapy use; Digital marker; Refractive cataract surgery; Precise surgery