Optimizing intraocular lens power calculation using adjusted conventional keratometry for cataract surgery combined with Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty

PURPOSE: To evaluate the utility of intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation using adjusted conventional keratometry (K) according to postoperative posterior to preoperative anterior corneal curvature radii (PPPA) ratio for eyes with Fuch's dystrophy undergoing cataract surgery combined with Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (triple DMEK). METHODS: A fictitious refractive index (FRI) was determined (Pentacam HR®) based on the PPPA ratio in 50 eyes undergoing triple DMEK. Adjusted corneal power was calculated in every eye using adjusted K values: K values determined by the IOLMaster were converted to adjusted anterior corneal radius using the mean FRI. Posterior corneal radius was calculated using the mean PPPA ratio. Adjusted corneal power was determined based on the calculated corneal radii and thick lens formula. Refractive errors calculated using the Haigis, SRK/T, and HofferQ formulae based on the adjusted corneal power were compared with those based on conventional K measurements. RESULTS: Calculated PPPA ratio and FRI were 0.801 and 1.3271. Mean prediction error based on conventional K was in the hyperopic direction (Haigis: 0.84D; SRK/T: 0.74D; HofferQ: 0.74D) and significantly higher (P < 0.001) than that based on adjusted corneal power (0.18D, 0.22D, and 15D, respectively). When calculated according to adjusted corneal power, the percentage of eyes with a hyperopic shift > 0.5D fell significantly from 64 to 30% (Haigis), 62 to 36% (SRK/T), and 58 to 26% (HofferQ), respectively. CONCLUSION: IOL power calculation based on adjusted corneal power can be used to reduce the risk of a hyperopic shift after triple DMEK and provides a more accurate refractive outcome than IOL power calculation using conventional K.