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.