Intraocular Lens Power Calculation After Laser Thermal Keratoplasty: A Systematic Review of Clinical Outcomes and Predictive Accuracy

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Published: Feb 26, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.47191/ijmscrs/v6-i2-29
Keywords:
Laser Thermal Keratoplasty, Intraocular Lens Power Calculation

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MELO ORTA Diego
CODET Vision Institute ORC ID - https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1870-173X
NAVAS VILLAR Erick
CODET Vision Institutemhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-6903-3957
CHAYET Arturo
CODET Vision Institute https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5602-7910
LOZADA FERIA Fredy Shaid
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4418-1305
PONCE TECLA Antonio
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7728-1937
ESCOBAR MORALES Ana Luisa
Universidad Popular Autónoma de Puebla https://orcid.org/0009-0009-4177-9851
BERISTAIN CRUZ Alejandro
Universidad Politécnica de Pachuca https://orcid.org/0009-0008-6612-255X
MENDOZA ROBLERO Carlos
Universidad Politécnica de Pachuca https://orcid.org/0009-0007-3939-4130
MEDINA TORRES Viridiana
Universidad Autónoma de Baja California https://orcid.org/0009-0008-6390-1419

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy of different intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation formulas and methodologies in patients with a history of Laser Thermal Keratoplasty (LTK) undergoing cataract surgery.


Methods: Systematic literature review of global evidence (1998–2025). A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. Studies reporting refractive outcomes, mean prediction error (MPE), and the efficacy of various formulas (Clinical History Method, Haigis-L, Shammas-PL, and Barrett True-K) in post-LTK eyes were included. Of the 874 articles, 99 was studies screening, 35 relevant articles were synthesized to identify the most reliable predictive strategies.


Results: Historically, the Clinical History Method was the gold standard; however, its current applicability is limited by the lack of pre-refractive records. Standard third-generation formulas (SRK/T, Holladay 1) consistently resulted in a hyperopic surprise, with an MPE ranging from +1.00 to +1.50 D. Modern "No-History" formulas, particularly Barrett True-K and Shammas-PL, along with Total Corneal Refractive Power (TCRP) measurements from Scheimpflug imaging, showed significantly higher accuracy. Due to the regression nature of LTK, corneal stability remains a critical factor in long-term refractive predictability.


Conclusions: To avoid hyperopic surprises in post-LTK patients, surgeons should utilize modern formulas that account for the altered anterior-posterior corneal ratio. Targeting a slightly myopic refractive goal (−0.50 to −0.75 D) and using the ASCRS online calculator are recommended as the safest clinical practices.

Article Details

How to Cite
Diego, MELO ORTA, NAVAS VILLAR Erick, CHAYET Arturo, LOZADA FERIA Fredy Shaid, PONCE TECLA Antonio, ESCOBAR MORALES Ana Luisa, BERISTAIN CRUZ Alejandro, MENDOZA ROBLERO Carlos, and MEDINA TORRES Viridiana. 2026. “Intraocular Lens Power Calculation After Laser Thermal Keratoplasty: A Systematic Review of Clinical Outcomes and Predictive Accuracy”. International Journal of Medical Science and Clinical Research Studies 6 (02):407-11. https://doi.org/10.47191/ijmscrs/v6-i2-29.
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Vol. 6 No. 02 (2026): Volume 06 Issue 02 February 2026
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Articles
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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