Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 4, 2026
Author Spotlight: Unraveling the Impact of Mechanical Ventilation on Diaphragm Function and Patient Outcomes
Published on: November 3, 2023
Agreement between lens thickness measurements by ultrasound immersion biometry and optical biometry
Giacomo Savini1, Kenneth J Hoffer1, Domenico Schiano-Lomoriello1
1From IRCCS-Fondazione Bietti (Savini, Schiano-Lomoriello), Rome, Italy; Stein Eye Institute (Hoffer), University of California, Los Angeles, and St. Mary's Eye Center (Hoffer), Santa Monica, California, USA.
Purpose:
To compare lens thickness measurements provided by immersion ultrasound (US) biometry and optical biometry.
Setting:
IRCCS-Fondazione Bietti, Rome, Italy.
Design:
Evaluation of diagnostic technology.
Methods:
Immersion US biometry and optical biometry were performed in a consecutive series of eyes having cataract surgery. Three optical biometers (OA-2000, Aladdin, and Galilei G6) were used. To assess how the differences in lens thickness measurements influenced intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation, the lens thickness values were entered into the Olsen formula.
Results:
Eighty-eight eyes were analyzed. Ultrasound immersion biometry yielded significantly higher lens thickness values than all of the optical biometers (P < .0001). The mean difference ranged between 0.29 mm and 0.43 mm. Although the differences between the 3 optical biometers were smaller, they were still statistically significant (P < .001). With respect to the immersion US biometry, lens thickness measurements using the optical biometric measurements would have resulted in the selection of a lower IOL power in between 43.2% and 62.5% of eyes, depending on the optical biometer. Comparison of the measurements of the 3 optical biometers showed that a different IOL power would have been selected in between 9.1% and 19.3% of eyes.
Conclusions:
Lens thickness measurements by immersion US biometry and optical biometry cannot be considered interchangeable. Minor, but still significant, differences between the 3 optical biometers tested were also found.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Ultrasound II: Endoscopic Ultrasound and FibroScan
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS):
01:23Design Example: Deciding Thickness of Lubricating Fluid in a Shaft
To calculate the required thickness of the lubricant layer, the tangential velocity at the shaft's surface must first be determined. This velocity is calculated by converting the rotational speed to angular velocity...
01:20Ultrasound I: Abdominal Ultrasonography
Abdominal ultrasonography, commonly known as abdominal ultrasound, is a vital, non-invasive medical imaging technique widely used in healthcare.
Procedure:
This diagnostic tool allows the clinician to visually inspect internal structures within the abdomen, including vital organs such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, and spleen.
The abdominal ultrasound process begins with applying a special gel to the patient's skin over the abdomen. This gel enhances the...
03:34Uncertainty in Measurement: Significant Figures
01:19Assessing Blood pressure using a doppler ultrasound
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Doppler Ultrasound Blood Pressure Assessment:
Preparation of Equipment:
02:24Properties of Enantiomers and Optical Activity