Sunalp YAG Laser Lens, A Novel Method for Marking the Axis of Astigmatism Before Cataract Surgery and Toric Lens Implantation

Purpose: Comparison of astigmatic correction and visual acuity outcomes in patients implanted with toric intraocular lenses following cataract surgery reference marked pre-operatively manually with a pen or with YAG laser, in conjunction with the Sunalp YAG Laser Lens. Methods: 16 eyes from 16 patients were divided into two groups of 8 patients each. Pre-operativelly, the eye of one group was reference marked manually with a pen and the eyes of the second group were marked by generating a “disruption” spot on the cornea with YAG laser, in conjunction with the Sunalp YAG Laser Lens. All surgeries were performed by the same surgeon. Visual acuity and astigmatism were compared before and after surgery. Results: Statistically there was no significant difference between the two groups before or after surgery and lens implantation. However, the data for astigmatism shows a better correction approaching statistical significance. A study with a larger cohort of patients would likely show a statistical superior outcome for astigmatic correction using the Yag laser marking method. Conclusion: YAG laser marking of the cornea with the Sunalp YAG Laser Lens, provides superior results of toric lens placement and astigmatic correction.