Correlations between ocular biometrics and refractive error: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Biometry
• Refractive Surgery

Background:

• Accurate biometric measurements are crucial for predicting refractive outcomes.
• Cataract and refractive surgery require precise understanding of ocular parameters.
• Correlations between biometrics inform surgical planning and patient expectations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze correlations between key ocular biometric parameters.
• To assess the strength and clinical significance of five specific biometric correlations.
• To provide an evidence-based overview for personalized eye care in refractive and cataract surgery.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of studies assessing biometric correlations.
• Meta-analysis to quantify the strength of identified correlations.
• Focused analysis on axial length, anterior chamber depth, corneal power, and refractive error.

Main Results:

• A strong positive correlation was confirmed between axial length and refractive error.
• Correlations involving corneal power (with refractive error and axial length) were found to be weak.
• The clinical significance of corneal power correlations appears limited.

Conclusions:

• Axial length is a primary determinant of refractive error.
• Corneal power has a minimal impact on refractive error and axial length.
• These findings support the emphasis on axial length in refractive predictions for cataract and refractive surgery.