Measurement agreement between a new biometer based on partial coherence interferometry and a validated biometer based...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Devices
• Biometry

Background:

• Accurate ocular measurements are crucial for cataract surgery planning.
• Comparing new biometry devices to established ones ensures reliability.
• This study evaluates a new partial coherence interferometry (PCI) device against an optical low-coherence reflectometry (OLCR) device.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the agreement between a new optical biometer (AL-Scan, PCI) and a validated optical biometer (Lenstar, OLCR).
• To compare key ocular measurements including axial length, corneal thickness, and anterior chamber depth.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational cross-sectional study involving 92 eyes of cataract patients.
• Measurements of axial length (AL), central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), keratometry (K), astigmatism, white-to-white (WTW), and pupil diameter were taken three times with each device.
• Bland-Altman analysis was used to assess agreement and limits of agreement (LoA).

Main Results:

• Excellent agreement (narrow 95% LoA) was found between the PCI and OLCR devices for AL, CCT, ACD, and aqueous depth.
• Good agreement was observed for mean K, astigmatism, and WTW, although statistically significant differences were noted.
• A significant discrepancy was found in pupil diameter measurements, with wide 95% LoA.

Conclusions:

• The AL-Scan (PCI) biometer provides ocular measurements comparable to the Lenstar (OLCR) for most parameters, particularly AL, CCT, and ACD.
• Pupil diameter measurements from the AL-Scan device showed poor agreement with the Lenstar and require careful interpretation and potential adjustment.