The December 1998 issue of the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery contains important information regarding the reporting of astigmatism data in the scientific literature. Reference the editorial ("From the Editor") by Douglas D. Koch, MD; the letter from Goggin and Pesudovs, "Assessment of surgically induced astigmatism: Toward an international standard"; the letter from Naeser, "Format for reporting surgically induced astigmatism on aggregate data"; a response from Goggin and Pesudovs, "Assessment of surgically induced astigmatism: Toward an international standard II"; and a final reply from Koch and Holladay.

Summary:

The following minimum data should be reported in studies of the changes in astigmatism brought about by surgery.

For analysis of astigmatic change in which the intent is not necessarily to reduce cylinder power:

1. Preoperative refractive and keratometric measurements
2. The surgical axis, where one exists
3. Preoperative corneal curvature on the surgical axis
4. Postoperative corneal curvature on the surgical axis
5. Postoperative refractive and keratometric measurements
6. Surgically induced astigmatism, magnitude, and direction.

For analysis of SIA in which the intent is to alter cylinder power and/or axis:

1. Preoperative refractive and keratometric measurements
2. The surgical axis
3. The target astigmatism to remain after surgery (axis and magnitude)
4. Postoperative corneal curvature on the surgical axis
5. Surgically induced astigmatism, magnitude, and orientation.

MICHAEL GOGGIN, FRCSI (OPHTH)
KONRAD PESUDOVS, FAAO
Adelaide, Australia

LETTER 1:
J Cataract Refract Surg. 1998 Dec;24(12):1548-50. Goggin M, Pesudovs K.
LETTER 2:
J Cataract Refract Surg. 1998 Dec;24(12):1552-3 Goggin M, Pesudovs K.
FROM THE EDITOR: J Cataract Refract Surg. 1998 Dec;24(12):1545.

Index of Papers