[On the issue of diagnostic accuracy of methods for analyzing the parameters of regular astigmatism].

Abstract

Accurate measurement of astigmatism parameters is the basis for prescribing modern means of optical correction. In recent years, another direction for correcting astigmatism has emerged - implantation of toric intraocular lenses (TIOL).

Purpose: This study evaluates the diagnostic accuracy of various methods for measuring the parameters of regular astigmatism.

Material and methods: The study included 83 patients (122 eyes) with regular astigmatism exceeding 1.0 D. Three groups were formed depending on the type of astigmatism. Spherical and cylindrical (power and axis) components of refraction were determined using automatic refractometry. The results were refined with subjective tests: power and axis tests with a cross-cylinder. The criterion for diagnostic accuracy was the level of corrected visual acuity. To assess the impact of cylinder position on visual acuity, discrete deviations of the axis of trial astigmatic lenses from the correct position (determined based on subjective tests) were modeled at 5, 10, and 15 degrees in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

Results: In the overall sample of observations, coincidence of results was found only in one-third of cases, with a tendency for discrepancies in data between the two methods in nearly 70% of cases. Statistical processing revealed significant differences only in the magnitude of the cylinder in the group with against-the-rule astigmatism (p<0.0005). An increase in maximum visual acuity corrected based on subjective test data was noted. With a deviation of the cylinder axis from the correct position by 10-15 degrees, regardless of the type of astigmatism, a significant tendency for a decrease in visual acuity was identified. At the same time, with a deviation of the cylinder axis within 5 degrees, a significant decrease in visual acuity was noted only in with-the-rule astigmatism and counterclockwise deviation.

Conclusion: To achieve maximum visual acuity in the correction of regular astigmatism, objective method data must be refined with subjective tests. The results of modeling the deviation of the axis of the corrective lens from the proper position can be considered when evaluating the functional outcomes of TIOL implantation.