Refractive error after cataract surgery may be decreasing but is still a relatively common occurrence that impacts patient satisfaction. These are especially important in certain populations such as patients with a history of keratorefractive surgery where there are higher rates of postoperative refractive error or patients undergoing premium IOL placement who are more sensitive to refractive error. If refractive error does occur after surgery, there are numerous options that may provide the patient with a satisfactory final outcome.

A study of patients undergoing placement of toric IOLs found that 88% had less than 1.0 D of astigmatism postoperatively. Toric IOLs as well as limbal relaxing incisions and astigmatic keratectomy now provide the opportunity to correct astigmatism with good results. Studies on cataract surgery outcomes show that 50-70% and 79-94% of patients will achieve postoperative refractions within 0.5 D and 1.0 D of the intended target, respectively. With the improvements have come increased expectations from patients regarding postoperative visual acuity and independence from spectacle correction. Cataract surgery outcomes have greatly improved due to advancements in surgical technique, intraocular lens (IOL) technology, and preoperative testing and calculations.

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