Refractive Errors Among Members of the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic.

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of refractive errors among members of the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic, to recommend a safe way of correcting refractive errors with regard to the specific needs of military personnel (especially members of combat units and flying personnel), and to propose a system for solving these errors in order to increase combat effectivity. Methodology: Questionnaire to determine previous refractive surgery and spectacle correction wear. Measurement of refraction with a hand-held autorefractometer and evaluation of current visual acuity on ETDRS optotypes (Landolt rings). Results: 259 servicemen (518 eyes) were investigated. The return rate of the questionnaires was 100%. The incidence of myopia greater than -0.75D was 22% (113 eyes), myopia greater than -0.5D 32% (166 eyes). The mean value of myopia was -0.78 D (SD ±0.6). Hypermetropia values ranged from +0.25 to +5.0 D. The mean value of hypermetropia was 0.63 D (SD ±0.7). Astigmatism values ranged from -0.25 to -3.75. The mean value of astigmatism was -0.55 Dcyl (SD ±0.49). The average visual acuity was 84.1 letters ETDRS SD (±6.1), visual acuity worse than 80 letters was manifested by 23% of the members of the monitored group. 25 people (10%) had undergone laser refractive surgery. Visual acuity after laser refractive surgery was measured in 19 people (38 eyes). Mean uncorrected post-laser visual acuity was 83.87 (SD ±6.1) ETDRS letters. The mean follow-up period after laser refractive surgery was 6.78 (SD ±4.8) years. Conclusion: Despite the initial selection of military personnel and entry limitations, the prevalence of refractive errors is comparable to the general population. However, in contrast with the general population, refractive errors larger than -3.0 D were not represented in the group. Due to the finding of insufficient correction of refractive errors, increased emphasis should be placed on identifying and regularly observing military personnel with refractive errors

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes, Visual Quality and Visual Function of Two Presbyopia-Correcting Intraocular Lenses Made from the Same Material, but with Different Design and Optics.

This semi-prospective, parallel, comparative investigation evaluated the clinical outcomes and quality of vision (contrast sensitivity, visual function, dysphotopsia, spectacle use, overall satisfaction) after mono- or bilateral implantation of two presbyopia-correcting intraocular lenses (IOL)-the Liberty® 677MY or the AT LISA® tri 839M-in 50 eyes of 25 cataract patients. Clinical outcomes were assessed 3 and 12 months postoperatively. Eighty-nine percent of eyes implanted with the Liberty IOL and 59% of eyes implanted with the AT LISA IOL achieved a refractive outcome ±0.5 diopters of the target (emmetropia). Refractive outcomes were stable with both lenses. The proportions of eyes with 20/20 uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) and 20/20 uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA) were higher in the Liberty group than in the AT LISA group (UDVA: 56% vs. 41%; UNVA: 83% vs. 66%). Optical quality assessment results were comparable for the two IOLs. Superior photopic contrast sensitivity was found with the Liberty lens. The rate of Nd:YAG capsulotomy at the 12-month follow-up was 16.7% in the Liberty group and 40.6% for the AT LISA IOL. Considering that both lenses are made from the same material, we propose that the noted differences in clinical outcomes may derive from differences in design and optical surface between the two IOLs.

Evaluation of Astigmatism-Correcting Efficiency and Rotational Stability after Cataract Surgery with a Double-Loop Haptic Toric Intraocular Lens: A 1-Year Follow-Up.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the clinical outcomes, predictability of results, efficiency of astigmatism correction, and rotational stability of the Bi-Flex 677TAY (Medicontur Medical Engineering Ltd., Zsámbék, Hungary) monofocal toric intraocular lens (IOL) designed for cataract patients with astigmatism. METHODS: The IOLs were implanted either mono- or binocularly, following routine cataract surgery. Visual and refractive outcomes, as well as off-axis rotation were assessed throughout a 1-year follow-up period. All clinical data for this work were collected retrospectively. Vector analysis based on the Alpins method was performed to assess the efficiency of astigmatism correction. RESULTS: No complications or adverse events occurred during surgery or the follow-up period. IOL implantation brought 88% of eyes into the ±0.50 D, and 100% into the ± 1.00 D range compared to the target spherical equivalent refraction, emmetropia. Astigmatism correction brought similar results: 94% of eyes had a residual cylindrical error of not higher than ±0.50 D, and 97% were within ±1.00 D. Vector analysis resulted in a correction index of 0.96 and a difference vector of 0.17. Both refractive and visual outcomes showed long-term stability. During the 12-month follow-up period, no eyes had a rotation of >5°. Absolute rotation after 1 year was 1.42 ± 1.89° (median = 0°), while signed rotation was 1.06 ± 2.12° (median = 0°). CONCLUSION: The Bi-Flex 677TAY monofocal toric IOL, designed by Medicontur Medical Engineering Ltd., represents an efficient and safe solution for cataract patients with astigmatism. Clinical and refractive outcomes are predictable, and rotational stability ensures long-term visual comfort.