rss
Br J Ophthalmol 2002;86:832 doi:10.1136/bjo.86.7.832-a
  • Mailbox

A re-analysis of astigmatism correction

  1. N Alpins
  1. 7 Chesterville Road, Cheltenham 3192, Australia

      In a recent perspective by Morlet et al1 there are a number of omissions and fundamental errors of content that lead to erroneous conclusions. These significant inaccuracies overlooked in the review process compromise the article's broad contribution.

      In Morlet et al's attempt to detail “the use and limitations of vectors . . . for the analysis of change in astigmatism” (p 1127) they display an incomplete understanding of the subject. They have made a valiant attempt to assemble an abundance of historical and contemporary references on a subject of significant interest, but key material has been omitted or misquoted. This has resulted in leading statements in the article, in both the body of the text and even the conclusion, that require re-evaluation and substantial revision.

      The most obvious omission is the paper's absence of any discussion of the difference vector, a precise absolute measure of surgical error described in reference 70.2 When the difference vector is related to the treatment (that is, TIA or target induced astigmatism vector) one has an extremely useful relative value of success of astigmatism treatment. Morlet et al have overlooked this key vectorial entity and struggle to find any …

      Register for free content

      The full back archive is now available for all BMJ Journals. Institutional subscribers may access the entire archive as part of their subscription. Personal subscribers will also have access to all content when logged in. Non-subscribers who register have free access to all articles published before 2006 right back to volume 1 issue 1. Register here to access the free archive of all BMJ Journals.

      Don't forget to sign up for content alerts so you keep up to date with all the articles as they are published.