Postoperative refractive error resulting from incorrectly labeled intraocular lens power

Postoperative refractive errors after intraocular lens (IOL) implantation c an be caused by different reasons. The most likely is incorrect IOL calcula tion resulting from incorrect measurements of the eye. However, other expla nations must also he taken into account. The surgeon in the operating theat er should make sure that the correct IOL was chosen. The IOL package should also contain the correct IOL cartridge. When unsealed IOL packages are use d, an IOL cartridge from 1 package can be mistakenly placed in another pack age. Finally, incorrect IOL labeling by the manufacturer can occur. In this case, the optical power of an explanted IOL was not identical to the IOL p ower printed on the company's label. Even with the highest quality control throughout the IOL manufacturing process, the surgeon should keep in mind t he possibility of a mislabeled IOL. J Cataract Refract Surg 2000: 26:777-77 8 (C) 2000 ASCRS and ESCRS.