Optical Biometry is a test used in ophthalmology to obtain the measurement of certain ocular parameters that are required when calculating the lenses that are placed inside the eye or intraocular lenses: either those that replace the lens in the operation of cataracts or lenses that are placed in front of the lens to correct graduation defects when the lens is still young.
Optical biometrics and laser biometrics measure:
The biometer or equipment that does ocular biometry, can be of 3 types: ultrasonic biometer (uses ultrasound to measure), optical biometer (makes measurements using infrared light). At present we have a new technology that is the laser biometer with sweep-source technology that offers very precise tomographic images (OCT).
Ultrasonic biometry requires contact with the eye and therefore induces measurement errors, which is why it has currently been superseded by the other 2; Optical biometry is so far the “gold standard” since it is not necessary to touch the eye and it is reliable, safe and fast, although it may not be effective in cases of complex measurements such as when there is a very large cataract: in these cases it is where the laser biometry can offer great advantages and is a further aid.