Biometry eye exam

What is biometry test of the eye?

Ocular biometry is a test that measures the dimensions of the eyeball: the axial length (distance between the anterior and posterior parts of the eye), the depth of the anterior chamber (part between the cornea and the iris and lens) and the curvature and the diameter of the cornea. Biometry can be performed by two techniques, the optical scan and the A scan ultrasound. The optical scan is usually more accurate and gives more information. In cases in which the optical scan method can not be obtained (due to hard cataract) an A scan is performed instead.

Why is the test performed?

The test is performed before cataract surgery or other surgeries that need insertion of intraocular lens. The goal of the test is to precisely measure the dimensions of the eye in order to calculate the exact power of the lens that needs to be implanted.

How is the test performed? 

 The test is very simple and fast. It takes few seconds to perform the test on each eye. It is noninvasive and no injection is needed. During the test, you will sit in front of the a scanning machine rest your head on a support to keep it motionless. The device will then scan your eye without touching it. Scanning takes few seconds.