Dermot McGrath
Published: Saturday, February 20, 2021

Nino Hirnschall MD, PhD
Delegates picked up a wealth of useful advice and tips to improve their refractive results at the symposium “Optimizing Your Refractive Outcomes Before Cataract Surgery” held during the 25th ESCRS Winter Meeting Virtual 2021.
Chaired by Nino Hirnschall MD, PhD , Adi Abulafia MD, and Wojciech Lubinski MD, the session presented a comprehensive overview of key issues in fine-tuning refractive results, including optics and ray tracing, biometry, IOL power calculations, toric IOLs and extended depth of focus (EDOF) lenses.
While the technology and calculation methods have evolved over time, the fundamentals of hitting the target refraction remains the same, delegates were told.
Dr Gerd Auffarth explained some of the fundamental concepts of optics and inherent compromises involved in modern IOL designs, while Dr Jaime Aramberri examined the current state of play in biometry devices and advances in IOL power calculations. All participants agreed that the accuracy of IOL power calculations continues to improve with the use of modern instruments for biometry, updated formulas, and constant optimization.
Dr Thomas Olsen discussed techniques to improve the accuracy of power calculation in complex and irregular eyes, while Dr Giacomo Savini focused on post-refractive eyes and methods to reduce residual refractive error. The ideal conditions for toric IOL implantation were described by Dr Peter Hoffmann, with Dr Damien Gatinel concluding the session with a round-up of the range of extended depth of focus and multifocal IOLs on the market.
Although a lot of progress has been made in recent years in terms of improved biometry and better calculation formulae, the panel agreed that there is always scope for further improvement.
Tags: ESCRS Winter Virtual 2021
Latest Articles
ESCRS Today 2025: Happy Anniversaries!
ESCRS celebrates milestones with pioneers in IOLs, LASIK, femtosecond lasers, and corneal transplantation.
Read more...
ESCRS Today 2025: A Congress for Everyone
From YOs to families, the ESCRS Annual Meeting embraces full participation through inclusivity.
Read more...
ESCRS Today 2025: All Eyes on Innovation
Watching out for obstacles and opportunities
Read more...
Beyond the Numbers
Empowering patient participation fosters continuous innovation in cataract surgery.
Read more...
Thinking Beyond the Surgery Room
Practice management workshop focuses on financial operations and AI business applications.
Read more...
Aid Cuts Threaten Global Eye Care Progress
USAID closure leads retreat in development assistance.
Read more...
Supplement: ESCRS Clinical Trends Series: Presbyopia
Read more...
Debate: FS-LASIK or KLEx for Hyperopia?
FS-LASIK has more of a track record, but KLEx offers advantages.
Read more...
Four AI Applications Ready for Practice
Commercial offerings may save time, improve practice and research.
Read more...
Perioperative Medication Regimens for Cataract Surgery
Randomised controlled clinical trial results provide evidence-based guidance.
Read more...