Ophthalmology Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Ophthalmology, including details on eye surgery, myopia, cataracts.

New technology for examining the anterior segment by ultrasonic biomicroscopy.

Bell NP, Feldman RM, Zou Y, Prager TC

University of Texas Medical School at Houston , Houston, Texas, USA. nick.bell@earthlink.net

PURPOSE: To compare the comfort levels and measurement accuracy of the open-shell technique and a bag/balloon technology (ClearScan, ESI) in anterior segment ultrasound biomicroscopy. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Robert Cizik Eye Clinic, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA. METHODS: In this prospective investigation, 20 subjects stated their preference and rated comfort (0 best to 5 worst) for the open-shell technique versus the bag/balloon technology. Three anterior chamber depth and sulcus-to-sulcus measurements were obtained, and the mean for each structure was taken as datum for each subject. Order presentation between the 2 methods was randomized. Pairwise t tests and linear regression analysis were used to determine statistical differences. RESULTS: One hundred percent of the cohort preferred the bag/balloon technology to the traditional open-shell technique. The mean comfort score was 0.40 +/- 0.53 (SD) and 2.95 +/- 0.90, respectively (P<.0001). Anterior chamber depth measurements did not differ clinically (0.056 mm) nor did sulcus-to-sulcus determinations (0.039 mm). CONCLUSION: Biometry, patient comfort, and ease of use were better with the ClearScan bag/balloon technology than with the traditional open-shell technique.

Published 31 December 2007 in J Cataract Refract Surg, 34(1): 121-5.
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