AstigMATIC: an automatic tool for standard astigmatism vector analysis

BACKGROUND: Standardization for reporting medical outcomes facilitates clinical study comparisons and has a fundamental role on research reproducibility. In this context, we present AstigMATIC, a free standalone application for automated standardized astigmatism vector analyses in corneal and intraocular refractive surgeries. AstigMATIC uses a simple graphical user interface (GUI) and allows the simultaneous display and analysis of astigmatism magnitude and axis. RESULTS: The software produces the four following standard graphs according to the standards of the Alpins Method; 1-Target-Induced Astigmatism Vector, 2-Surgically-Induced Astigmatism Vector, 3-Difference Vector and 4-Correction Index. Vector means with X and Y standard deviations are automatically calculated and displayed on the corresponding single-angle vector plots (0 to 180°). Data points are entered into a simplified GUI with no need for command line input. The standard graphs can be easily exported as high-resolution TIFF images for figures to use in production and presentations. CONCLUSIONS: AstigMATIC software enables the user to easily and efficiently analyze vectorial astigmatism outcomes using the standardized Alpins Method for post-surgical astigmatism. AstigMATIC and the demonstration datasets are available to download from http://www.lasikmd.com/media/astigmatic.