Axial length measurement acquisition rates of two optical biometers in cataractous eyes

PURPOSE To compare the ability of two optical biometers to acquire the axial length (AL) measurement in cataractous eyes. METHODS This prospective, comparative, single-center study comprised 105 eyes (63 patients). AL was acquired by the composite mean value of 20 measurements (composite-20 IM) and five measurements (composite-5 IM) (IOLMaster(®) 500 version 7.1 software), and the standard mean value of the first five measurements (standard-5 LS, Lenstar LS 900(®)). Anterior chamber depth (ACD) and average keratometry (K) readings were acquired. RESULTS AL was acquired in 83.8%, 92.4%, and 84.8% of eyes for the composite-5 IM, composite-20 IM, and standard-5 LS, respectively. Standard-5 LS AL measurements were significantly shorter (P<0.001). IOLMaster(®) 500-acquired ACD (corneal epithelium to lens) measurements were significantly shorter (P<0.001). IOLMaster(®) 500 average K measurements were significantly steeper (P<0.001). CONCLUSION The composite-20 IM had the highest AL acquisition success rate of the three versions evaluated. AL, ACD, and average Ks were statistically different between the two biometers, although the differences were clinically insignificant.