Influence of Patient Age on Intraocular Lens Power Prediction Error.

PURPOSE: To examine whether intraocular lens (IOL) power prediction error (PE) after cataract surgery differs according to patient age.

DESIGN: Prospective cohort study.

METHODS: We consecutively enrolled 75 eyes of 75 patients 59 years of age or younger, and 150 eyes of 150 patients in each of 3 age groups (60-69, 70-79, and 80-89 years), for whom phacoemulsification and implantation of a single-piece acrylic IOL was planned. The IOL power was calculated using the optimized SRK/T formula. Objective refraction was measured using an autorefractometer at approximately 3 months postoperatively, and the mean arithmetic PE and median absolute PE were compared among age groups.

RESULTS: The mean preoperative refractive error predicted by the SRK/T formula was similar among age groups (P = .4179). The mean postoperative spherical equivalent was significantly more myopic in younger patients (P < .0001). Mean PE was -0.24 diopters (D) in those ≤59 years of age, -0.17 D in those 60-69 years of age, -0.11 D in those 70-79 years of age, and -0.05 D in those 80-89 years of age; the mean PE was less myopic in older patients (P = .0008). The median absolute PE did not differ significantly among groups (P = .6192). Mean PE was positively correlated with age (P < .0001). Multiple regression analysis revealed that age, preoperative axial length, average corneal curvature, and anterior chamber depth were independent predictors of the age-related difference in PE.

CONCLUSION: PE was less myopic by approximately 0.06 D per decade as age increased, suggesting that patient age should be considered when selecting IOL power.