Haigis Formula, IOLMaster, IOL Master, Intraocular Lens Calculations Zeiss IOLMaster
Haigis Formula, Carl Zeiss Meditec IOLMaster, IOL Master, Intraocular Lens Calculations Zeiss IOLMaster Eye Cataract Surgery Eyes

2006-05-12
Haigis Formula

Warren Hill, M.D.
Carl Zeiss Meditec IOLMaster - IOL Master
The Haigis Formula

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Dr. Haigis
Dr. Wolfgang Haigis
  Understanding
The Haigis Formula.


One of the final frontiers in ophthalmology is the consistently accurate calculation of intraocular lens (IOL) power for all eyes.

When properly "personalized," any of the modern IOL power calculation formulas will do a good job for normal axial lengths and normal central corneal powers. However, for very long or short eyes, or for eyes with very flat or very steep corneal powers, consistently accurate IOL power calculation has remained elusive.

IOL constants and IOL power prediction

The present system of IOL constants works by simply moving the position of an IOL power prediction curve for the utilized formula up or down. For each formula, the shape of this power prediction curve is mostly fixed. The larger the IOL constant, the more IOL power each formula will recommend for the same set of measurements. And the smaller the IOL constant, the less IOL power the same formula will recommend for the same set of measurements.

It is essential to note that the shape of this curve remains the same. Other than the lens constant, these formulas treat all IOLs as if they were the exactly same and make similar assumptions for all eyes regardless of individual differences.

In reality, two eyes with the exact same axial length and the same keratometry may require completely different IOL powers. This is due to two additional variables: the actual (not assumed) distance of the lens from the cornea (known as the effective lens position) and the individual geometry of each lens model. Commonly used lens constants simply do not take this into account. These include:
SRK/T formula — uses "A-constant"

Holladay 1 formula — uses "Surgeon Factor"

Holladay 2 formula — uses "Anterior Chamber Depth" (ACD)

Hoffer Q formula — uses "Anterior Chamber Depth" (ACD)
These standard IOL constants are mostly interchangeable. Knowing one, it is possible to calculate another. In this way, surgeons can move from one formula to another for the same intraocular lens implant. The shape of the power prediction curve generated by each formula remains the same no matter which IOL is being used.

However, variations in keratometers, ultrasound machine settings and surgical techniques (such as the creation of the capsulorrhexis) can all have an impact on the refractive outcome as independent variables. "Personalizing" the lens constant for a given IOL and formula can be used to make global adjustments for a variety of practice-specific variables.

Also consider that 3rd generation 2-variable formulas (SRK/T, Hoffer Q and Holladay 1) assume that the distance from the principal plane of the cornea to the thin lens equivalent of the IOL is in part related to the axial length. That is to say, short eyes will have more shallow anterior chambers and long eyes will always have deeper anterior chambers.

We now know that this is not necessarily so. In reality, short eyes most commonly have perfectly normal anterior chamber anatomy in the pseudophakic state.

What these eyes do have is large lenses. Take out the lens and the anterior chamber dimensions, 80% of the time, are not all that different from an eye of normal axial length.

Think about when we do phaco for a patient with a short axial length and prior angle closure — what does the resultant anatomy look like? It looks just like a normal eye; and that is why all 3rd generation 2-variable formulas have a limited axial length range of accuracy. The Holladay 1, for example, works well for eyes of normal to moderately long axial lengths, while the Hoffer Q has been reported to work better for shorter axial lengths.

A recent exception to all of this is the Haigis formula, which here in North America comes as part of the IOL Master software package. Rather than moving a fixed formula-specific IOL power prediction curve up (more IOL power recommended) or down (less IOL power recommended), the Haigis formula instead uses three constants (a0, a1 and a2) to set both the position and the shape of a power prediction curve.

d = the effective lens position, where ...


    d = a0 + (a1 * ACD) + (a2 * AL)
     
    ACD is the measured anterior chamber depth of the eye (corneal vertex to the anterior lens capsule), and ...
     
    AL is the axial length of the eye; the distance from the cornea vertex, to the vitreoretinal interface.
     
  *


The a0 constant basically moves the power prediction curve up, or down, in much the same way that the A-constant, Surgeon Factor, or ACD does for the Holladay 1, Holladay 2, Hoffer Q and SRK/T formulas.
     
  * The a1 constant is tied to the measured anterior chamber depth.
     
  * The a2 constant is tied to the measured axial length.

In this way, the value for d is determined by a function, rather than a single number.

The a0, a1 and a2 constants are derived by multi-variable regression analysis from a large sample of surgeon and IOL-specific outcomes for a wide range of axial lengths and anterior chamber depths. The resulting a0, a1 and a2 constants are such that they closely match actual observed results for a specific surgeon and the individual geometry of an intraocular lens implant. This means that a portion of the mathematics of the Haigis formula is individually adjusted for each surgeon/IOL combination. Dr. Wolfgang Haigis gets high marks for this innovative approach.

The Haigis formula IOL constants will appear different than what we are normally used to seeing, as they interact with the ACD and the AL. Recall that 3rd generation 2-variable formula lens constants all basically represent the same thing, which is an attempt to predict the distance from the principal plane of the cornea to the thin lens equivalent of the IOL. In the parley of IOL mathematics, this is known as "d." The Haigis constants, when viewed all together, also determine this distance, but calculate it in a new and more flexible manner.

"d" for the five formulas commonly in use are:
SRK/T d = A-constant

Hoffer Q d = pACD

Holladay 1 d = Surgeon Factor

Holladay 2 d = ACD

Haigis d = a0 + (a1 * ACD) + (a2 * AL)
The key to highly accurate IOL power calculations is being able to correctly predict "d" for any given patient and IOL.

One way is to measure the ACD, lens thickness and axial length, and then force the formula to make adjustments based on previous observations from some large research data set. This is probably what the Holladay 2 formula does, adding or subtracting power from a Holladay 1-type IOL power prediction based on prior observations of ACD, AL, LT, Rx, corneal diameter, etc.

The calculation data base for the Holladay 2 formula is obviously substantial, as the Holladay 2 formula works exceptionally well. We've used it for eyes as short as 16 mm and as long as 38 mm. Dr. Holladay deserves high marks for what must have been painstaking research and excellent science.

Another way is to look at actual observed outcomes and adjust "d" for measured axial lengths and anterior chamber depths. This can be done by multi-variable regression analysis.

Now we're back to:
d = a0 + (a1 * ACD) + (a2 * AL)
The following example uses two different sets of actual regression analysis derived Haigis constants for two intraocular lenses with the same SRK/T A-constant of 118.40.

Lens #1 is a single piece acrylic IOL with a positive shape factor and lens #2 is a biconvex 3-piece PMMA IOL with 10° per mm of posterior haptic angulation. At first glance (as we're used to looking at an A-constant, SF, or ACD) these two sets of Haigis constants look completely different. However, they simply represent a similar power prediction curves with a slightly different shape that takes into account the differences in lens geometry between these two IOLs.

Len #1 Len #2
a0 = -1.441 a0 = 1.274
a1 = 0.064 a1 = 0.189
a2 = 0.261 a2 = 0.128

Let's look at three patients:

Patient 1 Patient 2 Patient 3
AL = 28.25 mm AL = 23.45 mm AL = 21.25 mm
ACD = 3.45 mm ACD = 3.25 mm ACD = 2.75 mm

Plugging into our little formula, we get for "d":

  Patient 1 Patient 2 Patient 3
Lens #1 6.15 4.89 4.28
Lens #2 5.54 4.89 4.51

What this shows is that in the setting of axial myopia, the Haigis formula will call for a little more power for Lens #1 than for Lens #2. For axial emmetropes, both constants will give the same IOL power. And for axial hyperopes, the Haigis formula will call for a little less power for Lens #1 than for Lens #2. This illustrates is the fact that by regression analysis it is possible to embed information regarding differences in geometry of the two IOLs within the three Haigis formula lens constants.

All of this gives the Haigis formula a new level of mathematical flexibility not yet before seen in ophthalmology. As the a0, a1 and a2 Haigis constants for the more commonly used IOLs become established, and the Haigis formula begins to be included with ultrasound machines, this formula will understandably gain in popularity.

Dr. Haigis is a PhD, rather than an MD, and the Head of the Biometry Department at the University of Wurzburg Eye Hospital andthe Users Group for Laser Interference Biometry (ULIB). As such, he brings to this exercise the formal training of a mathematician and physicist, to facilitate our understanding of the essentially non-linear relationship between IOL power, ACD, Ks and axial length.

Click here to go to our download page for a free Excel spreadsheet you can use to derive your own set of a0, a1 and a2 Haigis constants and a set of instructions for submitting this data to Dr. Hill in North America or Dr. Haigis in Europe.

As an original innovation, the Haigis formula holds out the promise of a new level of mathematical flexibility for increasing the accuracy of all IOL power calculations.

Please check back at regular intervals for updates.
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Cataract Surgery

2006-05-12
cataract surgery
 
Expert witness cataract eye surgery today is the result of extraordinary technological and surgical advancements that allows millions of people to once again enjoy crisp and clear vision. A true marvel of modern medicine, Expert witness cataract eye surgery may restore vision to levels you may have never thought possible. A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens, which lies behind the iris and the pupil. The lens works much like a camera lens, focusing light onto the retina at the back of the eye. The lens also adjusts the eye's focus, letting us see things clearly both up close and far away. The lens is mostly made of water and protein. The protein is arranged in a precise way that keeps the lens clear and lets light pass through it. But as we age, some of the protein may clump together and start to cloud a small area of the lens. This is a cataract, and over time, it may grow larger and cloud more of the lens, making it harder to see. Cataracts are classified as one of three types: a nuclear cataract is most commonly seen as it forms. This cataract forms in the nucleus, the center of the lens, and is due to natural aging changes. A cortical cataract, which forms in the lens cortex, gradually extends its spokes from the outside of the lens to the center. Many diabetics develop cortical cataracts. A sub-capsular cataract begins at the back of the lens. People with diabetes, high farsightedness, retinitis pigmentosa or those taking high doses of steroids may develop a sub-capsular cataract. Cataract symptoms cataract starts out small, and at first has little effect on your vision. You may notice that your vision is blurred a little, like looking through a cloudy piece of glass or viewing an impressionist painting. A cataract may make light from the sun or a lamp seem too bright or glaring. Or you may notice when you drive at night that the oncoming headlights cause more glare than before. Colors may not appear as bright as they once did. The type of cataract you have will affect exactly which symptoms you experience and how soon they will occur. When a nuclear cataract first develops it can bring about a temporary improvement in your near vision, called second sight. Unfortunately, the improved vision is short-lived and will disappear as the cataract worsens. Meanwhile, a sub-capsular cataract may not produce any symptoms until it's well developed. If you think you have a cataract, see an eye doctor for an exam to find out for sure. What causes a cataract? No one knows for sure why the eye's lens changes as we age, forming cataracts. Researchers are gradually identifying factors that may cause cataracts — and information that may help to prevent them. Many studies suggest that exposure to ultravlens implantet light is associated with cataract development, so eye care practitioners recommend wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to lessen your exposure. Other types of radiation may also be causes. For example, a 2005 study conducted in Iceland suggests that airline pilots have a higher risk of developing nuclear cataract than non-pilots, and that the cause may be exposure to cosmic radiation. A similar theory suggests that astronauts, too, are at risk from cosmic radiation. Other studies suggest people with diabetes are at risk for developing a cataract. The same goes for users of steroids, diuretics and major tranquilizers, but more studies are needed to distinguish the effect of the disease from the consequences of the drugs themselves. Some eye care practitioners believe that a diet high in antioxidants, such as beta-carotene (vitamin a), selenium and vitamins c and e, may forestall cataract development. Meanwhile, eating a lot of salt may increase your risk. Other risk factors include cigarette smoke, air pollution and heavy alcohol consumption. A small study published in 2002 found lead exposure to be a risk factor; another study in December 2004, of 795 men age 60 and older, came to a similar conclusion. But larger studies are needed to confirm whether lead can definitely put you at risk, and if so, whether the risk is from a one-time dose at a particular time in life or from chronic exposure over years. Cataract treatment when symptoms begin to appear, you may be able to improve your vision for a while using new glasses, strong bifocals, magnification, appropriate lighting or other visual aids. Think about surgery when your cataracts have progressed enough to seriously impair your vision and affect your daily life. Many people consider poor vision an inevitable fact of aging, but Expert witness cataract eye surgery is a simple, relatively painless procedure to regain vision. Expert witness cataract eye surgery is very successful in restoring vision. In fact, it is the most frequently performed surgery in the United States, with over 1.5 million cataract surgeries done each year. Nine out of 10 people who have Expert witness cataract eye surgery regain very good vision, somewhere between 20/20 and 20/40. During surgery, the surgeon will remove your clouded lens, and in most cases replace it with a clear, plastic intraocular lens (lens implant). New lens implants are being developed all the time to make the surgery less complicated for surgeons and the lenses more helpful to patients. One example is a new lens implant that lets patients see at all distances, not just one. Another new lens implant has blue-blocker capability, which blocks both ultravlens implantet and blue light rays that research indicates may damage the retina. Cataract surgery has made extraordinary and exciting advances over the past 20 years. Last year, approximately 2.7 million Americans underwent Expert witness cataract eye surgery. Greater than 95% of those patients now enjoy improved vision. State-of-the-art Expert witness cataract eye surgery is now a safe, effective, and comfortable procedure performed almost exclusively on an outpatient basis. Most cataract surgeries are now performed using microscopic size incisions, advanced ultrasonic equipment to fragment cataracts into tiny fragments, and foldable intraocular lenses (lens implants) to maintain small incision size. Expert witness.