Outcomes of toric IOL implantation guided by iris-registered femtosecond laser capsulotomy markings

Purpose To assess the accuracy and stability of iris-registered femtosecond laser-assisted anterior capsule axis markings (compensating cyclotorsion) along with refractive and visual outcomes after toric IOL implantation. Methods This prospective case series included eyes with visually significant cataracts and regular corneal astigmatism ranging from 1.25D to 4.0D, which received FLACS and toric IOL implantation, at The Eye Institute of West Florida, Largo, Florida, USA. Preoperative iris registration was used in conjunction with a femtosecond laser platform to create cyclotorsion corrected axis marks at the capsulotomy edge to facilitate toric IOL axial alignment. Patients were examined one, seven and thirty days after surgery to assess capsulotomy marks axis, toric IOL axis along with visual and refractive outcomes. Results Eighteen eyes of 13 patients aged 74.35 ± 8.65 years were included. Mean pre-op CDVA was 0.24 ± 0.16 LogMAR, while mean post-op UDVA was 0.09 ± 0.09 LogMAR. Mean pre-op corneal astigmatism was 1.85 ± 0.41 D, decreasing to 0.24 ± 0.41 D of refractive astigmatism postoperatively ( p < 0.001). The capsular toric axis markings were visible in 100% of eyes throughout the follow-up; the mean difference between intended capsulotomy mark axis and measured capsulotomy mark axis was 1.6°, 1.7° and 1.3 o at the 1, 7 and 30 day intervals ( p > 0.05), respectively. No capsule-related or any other type of complications was noted. Conclusions Iris-registered femtosecond laser-assisted anterior capsule axis markings are safe and may be considered as an alternative option to the known axis marking techniques for toric IOL axial alignment at the time of cataract surgery.