To compare on-axis measurements of the axial length with off-axis measurements in the paracentral horizontal and vertical positions.

PURPOSE: To compare on-axis measurements of the axial length (AL) with off-axis measurements in the paracentral horizontal and vertical positions using the Lenstar LS 900 biometer.

METHODS

In this, the samples were selected from patients scheduled for cataract surgery using a systematic randomization method. After applying the exclusion criteria, all subjects underwent optometric examinations and AL measurement using the Lenstar. Five consecutive, non-cycloplegic measurements were done on the right eye centrally, 10° temporally, 10° nasally, 10° superiorly and 10° inferiorly on the retina by the same examiner.

RESULTS

Two hundred and seven eyes were examined in this study, of which 126 (60%) were for female patients. The mean age of the participants was 64.32 ± 10.77 years (range: 34-91 years). The mean central, superior, inferior, temporal, and nasal axial AL was 23.22 ± 1.02, 23.21 ± 1.02, 23.21 ± 1.02, 23.21 ± 1.02, 23.20 ± 1.03, respectively. Comparison of these readings using repeated measures ANOVA showed a statistically significant difference in the AL value among these positions. According to the post-hoc results, superior and nasal AL was statistically significantly lower compared to the central AL.

CONCLUSION

If on-axis biometry is not available, AL can be measured in an off-axis manner in the paracentral temporal, superior and inferior positions. Considering the marked difference in AL measurement between central and nasal positions, off-axis measurement is not recommended in the nasal part because it may be associated with a marked hyperopic shift after cataract surgery.