Partial Coherence Laser Interferometry in Highly Myopic versus Emmetropic Eyes

PURPOSE To investigate the reliability of partial coherence laser interferometry for optical biometry in highly myopic eyes. METHODS Axial length measurements by the IOLMaster (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Germany) with signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) ≥2 were performed in 52 consecutive myopic subjects with axial length ≥26.5 mm and 45 emmetropic patients before cataract surgery. Axial length measurements and SNR were analyzed and compared among the two study groups. RESULTS Axial length measurements were feasible in 46 of 52 (88.5%) highly myopic eyes and in 41 of 45 (91.1%) eyes with normal axial length. To achieve two reliable axial length values with SNR ≥2, a mean number of 2.06±0.25 measurements was necessary in myopic eyes and 2.10±0.37 in emmetropic counterparts. Mean SNR after two measurements was 4.98±2.44 in myopic eyes versus 5.56±2.32 in control eyes. Even though successful measurement was independent of preoperative visual acuity, patients with visual acuity better than 20/63 showed significantly higher SNR values. CONCLUSIONS Partial coherence laser interferometry shows satisfying feasibility and good signal quality for axial length determination in highly myopic eyes with stable retinal condition and clear media.