Precision and refractive predictability of a new nomogram for femtosecond laser‐assisted corneal arcuate incisions

PURPOSE: Validating a new nomogram for low to moderate astigmatism (0.75 D to 2.5 D) correction with epithelium‐ and Bowman‐penetrating femtosecond laser‐assisted arcuate incisions. METHODOLOGY: Prospective, interventional case series at the Augen‐ und Laserklinik, Castrop‐Rauxel, Germany. Cataract patients with low to moderate corneal astigmatism were treated with femtosecond laser‐assisted arcuate incisions. Patients with previous refractive corneal treatment were excluded. Outcome assessment was based on manifest refraction, astigmatic vector analysis and visual acuity. RESULTS: The study analysed 43 eyes of 33 patients after three months and 35 eyes of 27 patients after 12 months. After 12 months, 100% of all eyes treated had ≤1.0 D and 97% ≤0.5 D of subjective residual astigmatism. Mean residual astigmatism was 0.27 D. 90% of all eyes were within one line of difference between UDVA and CDVA. SEQ Mean Absolute Error was 0.26 D and SEQ. Mean error was −0.08 ± 0.32 D. CI was 0.98 ± 0.2 D, and Index of Success, 0.20 ± 0.18 D. CONCLUSION: The Castrop nomogram showed results that are comparable to or better than results presented in the literature for existing nomograms. Our results for astigmatic reduction are comparable to published results for TIOL implantation. It seems to be a predictable and safe measure to reduce manifest astigmatism.