Eye Biometry
Warsaw · Krakow · Vienna · Zurich
Optical biometry provides information about the length of the eyeball and the distances between successive elements of the eye. During the examination, the cornea, lens, and retina can also be imaged along the measurement axis.
Eye Biometry – In Brief
- What it is: non-contact measurement of eyeball length, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, and corneal curvature using light
- What it’s for: calculating artificial lens power before cataract surgery and refractive lens exchange, selecting phakic ICL lens size, assessing myopia progression
- How it works: you look at a point of light, the measurement takes several dozen seconds, no drops and no contact
- Accuracy: a measurement error of 0.1 mm in eye length equals approximately 0.25 D of residual refractive error after the procedure – which is why we repeat the measurement and compare it with keratometry
- Price: At SwissLaser we perform it as part of a comprehensive qualification examination (400 PLN, approximately 90 minutes, Warsaw and Krakow), which includes the complete set of measurements needed before the procedure.
Optical Biometry
It provides information about the length of the eyeball and the distances between successive elements of the eye. During the examination, the cornea, lens, and retina can also be imaged along the measurement axis. The width of the drainage angle, adhesions within this angle, angle closure by the lens, etc., are assessed. It also helps to identify any differences in the length of the eyeballs.
Application of Ultrabiomicroscopy in Ophthalmology
This is one of the fundamental examinations recommended for diagnosis before laser vision correction or implantation of artificial lenses. In some forms of glaucoma, it is crucial for deciding on the laser or surgical method. Ultrabiomicroscopy is the most precise method for examining tumors, cysts, and assessing the patency of postoperative fistulas, i.e., the results of the procedure. It can be performed even when the cornea is completely opaque.
UBM and Biometry – What Does the Examination Involve?
The examination is performed with the patient lying down. The patient’s eye is anesthetized, and a plastic speculum filled with water is placed on the eye, in which an ultrasound probe penetrates the anterior segment of the eye. The doctor views the examined objects on a computer monitor.
The examination is performed without the need for pupil dilation. Optical biometry does not require direct contact with the eyeball. It is based on the optical technique of optical coherence tomography (OCT).
The most important step is to choose the appropriate method for your vision defect. During the initial consultation, we will propose the suitable laser correction technique.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is eye biometry used for?
To calculate implant power before cataract surgery and lens exchange, and to select the size of a phakic ICL lens. It measures eyeball length, anterior chamber depth, and corneal curvature.
Does biometry hurt?
No. Optical biometry is non-contact and takes several dozen seconds. Only with very mature cataracts, when light cannot pass through the lens, is an ultrasound variant used with an anesthetic drop.
Do I need to stop wearing contact lenses before biometry?
Yes, if the result is to be used to calculate the implant: soft lenses for 7 days, hard lenses for 3 weeks, because lenses change the corneal curvature that is factored into the calculations.
How much does eye biometry cost?
At SwissLaser, biometry is included in the comprehensive qualification examination for 400 PLN, performed in Warsaw and Krakow.
We perform all examinations in Warsaw (Kolejowa 1 Street) and Krakow (Kluczborska 15/U3 Street). Diagnostic overview: eye examinations; what happens next: qualification for the procedure.
