Visual And Refractive Outcomes Of Combined Pterygium And Cataract Surgery
Published 2026 - 44th Congress of the ESCRS
Reference: POCAT587 | Type: Free paper | DOI: 10.82333/r9x2-3t83
Authors: Dr Ximena Lilian Chavez* 1 , Dr Daniela Anahi Peimbert Franco 1
1Anterior Segment,Instituto de Oftalmologia Conde de Valenciana,Mexico City ,Mexico
Purpose
To evaluate postoperative refractive outcomes and the preoperative accuracy of intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation in adult patients undergoing combined pterygium and cataract surgery.
Setting
Instituto de Oftalmología Conde de Valenciana, a tertiary academic referral center in Mexico City, Mexico.
Methods
A medical history and ophthalmologic examination were performed in 12 patients, including uncorrected and best-corrected visual acuity, preoperative automated and subjective refraction, ocular biometry using partial coherence interferometry, and intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation with the Barrett Universal formula. Postoperative visual acuity and refraction were assessed. All procedures were performed by the same surgeon and consisted of pterygium excision with conjunctival autograft combined with phacoemulsification and IOL implantation. Follow-up was conducted at 24 hours, 1 week and 1 month, comparing predicted IOL power with postoperative spherical equivalent. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0.
Results
A total of 12 eyes met the eligibility criteria; 11 had complete BCVA data at baseline and 1 month. Mean age was 70.6 ± 4.67 years (65–83), and 72.7% were female. BCVA improved from 1.06 ± 0.94 logMAR preoperatively to 0.29 ± 0.23 logMAR at 1 month (paired t-test, p=0.021). Refractive analysis was performed in 10 eyes. Using a predefined +0.50 D target with the Barrett Universal II formula, mean postoperative spherical equivalent was 0.13 ± 1.05 D. Mean prediction error was −0.46 ± 1.05 D, with 50% and 70% of eyes within ±0.50 D and ±1.00 D of target, respectively.
Conclusions
Simultaneous pterygium and cataract surgery is a feasible approach with meaningful functional visual recovery. However, refractive predictability remains influenced by corneal remodeling after pterygium excision. Targeting mild hyperopia may mitigate postoperative myopic shift, although variability persists. Careful patient selection and refractive planning are essential to optimize outcomes.