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Tools · Professional education

Bags vs. Sulcus vs. Optic/Reverse Optic Capture IOL Calculation

Compare power adjustments from an in-the-bag IOL power using a simplified nomogram.

+5.00 to +30.00 D, in 0.50 D steps.

Nomogram estimates

Sulcus

Optic / reverse optic capture

How to interpret the estimates

These are nomogram outputs, not a patient-specific IOL prescription. Axial length, IOL design and final optic position affect the required adjustment. Confirm the surgical plan and lens-specific calculation before implantation.

Optic capture: haptics in the sulcus, optic behind the intact anterior capsulorhexis. Reverse optic capture: haptics in the bag, optic in front of the capsulorhexis. These positions are not interchangeable.

The shared capture estimate below is a simplified reference, not a universal adjustment for either technique. Conventional optic capture may require no power change. The cited sulcus study does not validate this capture table.

Adjustment table (D)

Bag powerSulcus reductionCapture reduction
5–900
9.5–170.50
17.5–2810.5
28.5–301.51

The sulcus study used the MA60AC lens and SRK/T. It reported larger reductions for powers above 25 D than this simplified table; do not assume the table applies to every eye or lens.

Dubey et al. · Improved refractive outcome for ciliary sulcus-implanted intraocular lenses (2012)

Intraocular Lens Implantation In The Ciliary Sulcus: Challenges And Risks (2019)