What do you need to know?
- Ocular biometry is a precise diagnostic test that is essential before cataract surgery and for the diagnosis of eye diseases.
- Wskazaniem do badania są m.in. wady wzroku, jaskra i przygotowanie do wszczepienia sztucznej soczewki.
- The examination can be performed optically (without eye contact) or ultrasonically (contact with anaesthesia).
- Contact lenses should not be worn prior to the examination and eye hygiene is important for the contact method.
- Biometrics is completely painless and safe - including for children - and the procedure takes just a few minutes.
- Contraindications include active eye infections and corneal injuries, and alternatives may include OCT or B-scan ultrasound.
Biometric examination of the eye is an important diagnostic technique that allows precise measurements of eye parameters such as axial length, anterior chamber depth and corneal thickness. This procedure is essential in planning ophthalmic surgery, such as artificial lens insertion during cataract treatment.
Ocular biometry is also performed for diagnostic purposes, e.g. in the case of visual impairment, glaucoma diagnosis or monitoring changes in the structures of the eye. This examination enables accurate planning of treatment and monitoring of its effects.
Modern equipment used in biometrics, such as measuring instruments, allows the test to be carried out quickly and safely, usually within a few to several minutes. In most cases, the procedure is non-invasive and does not require the use of anaesthetics.
Indications for ocular biometry
Biometria oka to kluczowe badanie wykonywane przed zabiegami okulistycznymi, takimi jak operacja cataracts, to accurately select the intraocular lens. It allows measurement of parameters such as the axial length of the eyeball and the depth of the anterior chamber, which is essential for treatment planning.
Main indications for biometric eye examination:
- Preparation for cataract surgery.
- Diagnostyka wad wzroku, np. myopia.
- Monitoring of diseases such as glaucoma or corneal changes.
The examination is also used to assess the various structures inside the eye to better understand anatomical and functional changes. Thanks to techniques such as optical biometry, the process is fast, safe and precise.
What is eye biometrics?
Ocular biometry is an advanced examination that allows the precise determination of parameters of the eyeball, such as its axial length, shape and position of internal structures. The examination is an indispensable part of ophthalmic diagnostics and enables accurate planning of procedures, such as cataract surgery.
Types of ocular biometrics
- Optical biometry - a modern and non-contact technique that uses light to measure the axial length and other structures of the eye. It is fast, safe and does not require the use of eye anaesthesia.
- Ultrasound biometry - a contact method involving the application of a probe to the corneal surface. In some cases, anaesthetic drops are used.
How does the biometric test work?
- The patient sits in front of a device that measures the various structures of the eye.
- The procedure usually takes a few minutes and is not painful.
- The measurement allows the assessment of parameters such as the axial length of the eyeball, crucial in the treatment of visual impairment or the planning of surgery.
Biometrics is a versatile tool in the diagnosis of ocular diseases, allowing the patient's needs to be accurately identified.
Preparation for eye biometry
Ocular biometry is a precision test, so proper patient preparation is key to obtaining accurate results. The procedure varies depending on the method chosen, such as contact or non-contact, but certain principles apply to each.
Pre-test preparation:
- Avoid wearing contact lenses for a few days before the examination. Lenses can affect the natural shape of the cornea and interfere with the results.
- Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking and any allergies you may have, especially if an eye anaesthetic is planned.
- Take care of your eye hygiene, especially with contact biometry, to reduce the risk of infection.
Course of preparation for the study:
For ultrasound biometry, anaesthetic drops are used to apply the probe to the corneal surface. With optical biometry, which is non-contact, no special preparation is required.
Biometry allows the assessment of parameters such as corneal thickness, axial length of the eyeball or vitreous body analysis, making it a versatile tool in the diagnosis of ocular diseases.
Correct patient preparation guarantees precise results, which is crucial for successful treatment and planning of ophthalmic procedures.1
Ocular biometry - course of examination
Ocular biometry is a quick and precise examination that provides information on the parameters of the eyeball, such as its axial length or other key structures. The course of the examination depends on the method chosen: contact or non-contact.
What is the procedure?
- Optical biometrics - a non-contact method using light to measure the length of the eyeball and other structures. It is fast and requires no special preparation.
- Ultrasonic biometry - a contact method in which an ultrasound probe is applied to the anaesthetised corneal surface.
Duration of the study
The whole process takes a few to several minutes. The examination is painless and provides accurate results, crucial in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases.
Biometrics is the basis for medical decision-making, such as preparation for eye surgery.
Ważne pytania i odpowiedzi
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No, the biometric eye examination is completely painless. With optical biometry, there is no contact with the eye and with the ultrasound method, anaesthetic drops are used, eliminating any discomfort.
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Yes, ocular biometry usually includes both eyes. The apparatus allows quick measurements to be taken for each eyeball, which is particularly useful when planning operations such as cataracts.
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Yes, ocular biometry is safe for patients of all ages, including children. The test does not involve radiation or invasive procedures, and optical or ultrasound techniques are completely non-invasive.
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Contraindications mainly concern situations where there are active eye infections, severe conjunctivitis or mechanical injuries to the cornea. In such cases, the examination may be postponed to a later date.
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In some cases where optical or ultrasound biometry is not possible, the ophthalmologist may recommend other diagnostic methods, such as ocular tomography (OCT) or B-scan ultrasound, depending on diagnostic needs.
