AstigMATIC: an automatic tool for standard astigmatism vector analysis

BMC Ophthalmol. 2018 Sep 21;18(1):255. doi: 10.1186/s12886-018-0920-1.

Abstract

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 enables the user to easily and efficiently analyze vectorial astigmatism outcomes using the standardized Alpins Method for post-surgical astigmatism.

Keywords: Alpins Methods; Astigmatism vector analysis; Correction index; Difference vector; Surgically-induced astigmatism vector; Target-induced astigmatism vector.

MeSH terms

  • Astigmatism / diagnosis*
  • Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted / instrumentation*
  • Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological*
  • Humans
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Software*