Biometry

In short, optical biometry is a non-invasive automated methodology that’s used to measure the eye’s anatomic characteristics, and it’s highly accurate.  Its findings are used to calculate the power of intraocular lenses, which are implanted to treat cataracts and myopia.

Optical biometry allows ophthalmologists to take images across the length of a patient’s entire eye and screen the macula before cataract surgery.  Biometry’s accuracy can reveal pathologies that aren’t easily detectable using other common instruments like silt lamps.  Doctors may then use biometry results to dive deeper into eye issues, by ordering OCT images and further evaluating a patient’s eye health before surgery.

How biometry works

With biometry, certain dimensions of the eye are measured, including axial length, lens thickness, anterior chamber depth, retinal thickness, and pachymetry.  These dimensions are used to calculate the precise power of the intraocular lens implant.

To get these dimensions, biometry uses a partially coherent wave that doesn’t make contact with the cornea, which eliminates variations that were common in other tests and provides more accurate measurements than those acquired through ultrasound biometry.

Benefits of biometry

Optical biometry is crucial for cataract surgery for many reasons:

  • Biometry is relatively easy for clinicians to perform.
  • Biometry is non-invasive and comfortable for patients, which helps ensure a high standard of care.
  • Biometry identifies issues missed by other tools.
  • It ensures that all complications have been anticipated prior to cataract surgery.
  • Biometry also ensures optimal postoperative results.

Biometry is the gold standard for any practice specializing in cataract procedures.

Haag-Streit

 

Nidek

 

Zeiss