Axial length measurement failure rates using optical biometry based on swept-source OCT in cataractous eyes

Ocular dimensions measurement is extremely important in cataract procedures and refractive surgery. The use of optical techniques for axial measurements has been developed in recent years.

The purpose was to summarize the outcomes reported when swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) optical biometry failed during axial length measurement. A peer-reviewed literature search was carried out to identify publications reporting clinical outcomes for cataractous eyes measured with SS-OCT optical biometers available on the market. A comprehensive analysis of the available data was performed, focusing on parameters such as the sample of eyes evaluated, failure rates, and specifically, the cataract type when the measurement was not possible. 27 studies were included in this review. In general, SS-OCT biometers lead to only small failure rates when measuring axial length (but in some cases up to 38.49%). In the few cases where the measurement was not possible, the cataract type of the eyes was mainly mature white or grade ≥ IV. SS-OCT optical biometers show good outcomes when measuring axial length in eyes with advanced cataracts.

We believe that the use of SS-OCT technology may be considered the gold standard for measuring axial length in any type of cataract.