[Automatic biometry and keratometry in comparison with the manual technic]

In order to determine the power of intraocular lenses more easily prior to cataract surgery, we compared the results obtained by automatic measurement of the corneal refractive power by the Humphrey Autokeratometer with manually obtained measurements using the Zeiss ophthalmometer. Similarly, the axial length was determined by automatic measurements using the Digital B System IV (Cooper Vision) and manual measurements using the Ophthascan S (Biophysic Medical). Statistical evaluation showed that there were no significant differences in the corneal refractive power determined by the two methods or in the IOL power calculated using the SRK formula. Therefore, automatic measurement of both corneal refractive power and axial length following the above method can be a useful alternative to the preoperative determination of the IOL power.