Posterior Astigmatism: Considerations for Cataract Refractive Surgery Planning

Over the last decade, a vast improvement on intraocular lens (IOL) options steered cataract surgery towards a more sophisticated approach concerning the final refractive goal. On a particular note, the availability and adoption of toric IOLs, either in monofocal or multifocal platforms. This allowed for a better final quality of vision, but also addressed several complex steps, especially regarding proper diagnostic assessment during surgical planning. More than 50% of the patients who undergo cataract surgery have corneal astigmatism ≥ 0.75 diopter (D), which is within the range of surgically treatable astigmatism and may significantly limit an optimal visual outcome if left uncorrected.