Purpose: In the past 50 years the IOL has been improved. Nowadays it is possible to exactly calculate the necessary IOL power and correct toric refractive errors. In this study we developed methods for measuring rotation and decentration using the example of a hydrophilic acrylic IOL.
Methods: Following cataract surgery, the first retroilluminated photograph was taken. The position of the IOL was determined with the image analysis program Adobe Photoshop.
Results: Measurement of a rotational movement or of a decentration of an IOL can be done accurately and rapidly. Evaluation of the stability of rotation of the hydrophilic acrylic IOL measured here showed an average rotation of the IOL of 5.3+/-1.4 degrees after 6 months compared to the position directly after implantation.
Conclusion: The measurement methods presented here are easy to use and provide reliable results. Examiners must have basic knowledge of the computer programs used. Also, these methods depend on good quality of the retroilluminated photographs.