[Ocular biometry in children with hypermetropia: utility of the Lenstar LS 900 optical biometer (Haag-Streit(®))].

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Biometric measurements were recorded in the eyes of 238 children with hypermetropia (3-16 years of age), using the Lenstar 900 biometer (Haag-Streit(®)) with no contact. Four refractive groups were divided by objective refraction and spherical equivalent (group 1, more than 6.00 D; group 2, +4.50 to +99 D; group 3, +3.00 to +4.49 D; group 4, +1.50 to +2.99 D). Many parameters (i.e., axial length of the eye, anterior chamber depth, crystalline lens thickness, and central pachymetry) were analyzed in refractive groups. Two statistical analyzes were carried out: Pearson correlations on the various measurements and nonparametric tests (LSD tests).

RESULTS: This statistical study showed the refractive characteristics of this pediatric population and the incidence of refraction on ocular biometry. There was a correlation between crystalline lens thickness, axial length, and anterior chamber depth. Axial length was significantly correlated in a positive way with age (r=0.332, p<0.001) and with anterior chamber depth (r=0.403, p<0.001), and in a negative way with crystalline lens thickness (r=-0.427, p<0.001). The study of refractive group parameters found a significant difference (p<0.01) between groups in axial length level. Anterior chamber depth decreased when the spherical equivalent increased. The study of crystalline lens thickness found a significant difference (p<0.01) between all four groups and pachymetry, as well as between groups 1 and 4 (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION: The Lenstar LS 900 biometer (Haag-Streit(®)) provided a complete biometrical assessment of children's eye in a single and easy measurement procedure. In this pediatric population with hypermetropia, axial length of the eye was mainly correlated with spherical equivalent and other biometric parameters. The relation between these various parameters was influenced and modified by age.