Evaluation and comparison of a novel Scheimpflug-based optical biometer with standard partial coherence interferometry for biometry and intraocular lens power calculation

In the present study, the axial length (AL), corneal curvature, anterior chamber depth (ACD) and white-to-white (WTW) distance were assessed using the Pentacam AXL (Oculus Optikgeraete GmbH), a novel Scheimpflug-based optical biometer with standard partial coherence interferometry (PCI). The Pentacam AXL and PCI biometer (IOLMaster 500; Carl Zeiss AG) were compared in terms of their intraocular lens (IOL) power calculations. The medical records of patients (eyes, n=190) who underwent cataract surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Biometry measurements involved the eyes of patients with cataract and were performed by the same examiner with the Pentacam AXL biometer and the IOLMaster 500 device. Following determination of the AL, mean keratometry (Km), ACD and WTW distance, the IOL power calculation was compared between the two devices using the Sanders, Retzlaff and Kraff theoretical (SRK/T) and Haigis formulas. The AL, Km and WTW values for the Pentacam AXL group were significantly lower compared with those of the IOLMaster 500 group. The difference was -0.02±0.04 mm, -0.20±0.28 D and -0.10±0.20 mm, respectively (P<0.001). The ACD for the Pentacam AXL group was higher compared with that of the IOLMaster 500 group with a difference of 0.02±0.13 mm (P=0.13). The IOL power calculated using the SRK/T and Haigis formulas exhibited significant differences between the two devices (t=11.48 and 10.97, respectively; P<0.001). In conclusion, the AL, ACD, WTW measurement and IOL power indicated optimal agreement and strong correlations between the two devices. However, constant optimization may be necessary for the novel biometer Pentacam AXL.