gms | German Medical Science

Purpose: Today it is impossible to imagine calculating intraocular lens (IOL) power without them, because they can significantly improve the refractive result after cataract surgery: optimized IOL constants, ideally individually optimized for the specific surgeon. The Internet database IOLCon (https://www.iolcon.org/), founded in 2017, has meanwhile established itself as a reliable, worldwide available source for optimized IOL constants and specifications. Based on modern optimization strategies, IOLCon also offers individually optimized IOL constants free of charge for ophthalmic surgeons.

Methods: Close cooperation with Institute of Experimental Ophthalmology, University Homburg/Saar (Germany).

Results: The method used by IOLCon to optimize IOL constants is characterized as an “intelligent IOL constant optimization”, which uses e.g. statistical methods taking the measuring accuracy of the measuring instruments (e.g. the biometer) into account. Optimizations of the constants for the following published formulas can be found on IOLCon: Haigis, Hoffer-Q, Holladay 1, SRK/T – and now also for the new Castrop formula. The prerequisite is the use of current measurement techniques that precisely measure all distances of the eye. With this data in combination with modern formulae (such as the Castrop formula), even eyes which are outside the “norm” can be calculated more reliable compared to using classic formulae.

Conclusions: IOLCon fulfills all the requirements of a modern biometry database and established itself as an indispensable tool for cataract surgeons by today and will also meet future demands of ongoing developing ophthalmo-surgery. It can be accessed at https://iolcon.org.