"Evaluating Iol Calculation: Swept-Source Technology Vs. Ultrasound Biometry"

To comprehensively and thoroughly evaluate and compare the results of the values required for intraocular lens calculation using the Swept-Source technology of the ARGOS device in study subjects prior to cataract surgery, focusing on comparing them with the values obtained from ultrasound biometry performed on the same subjects. The objective is to assess the efficiency, accuracy, and safety of this technology in calculating intraocular lenses for cataract patients.

Anterior Segment Department of Conde de Valenciana Institute of Ophthalmology, Mexico City, Mexico

The study design is a retrospective experimental cross-sectional analytical study of a series of consecutive cases subjected to calculations of axial length, anterior chamber depth, and lens thickness of the eye. Study subjects who required cataract surgery and agreed to the use of both technologies were recruited. We compared and correlated the three values provided by the devices with each other and with the LOCS III classification, using the “Major” and “Minor” subclasses regarding the severity of the cataract using the Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) .

58 eyes participated, with 67.2% of the patients being male, an average age of 65.22 ± 10.65 years.Optical (Argos) and ultrasonic biometry were performed, showing a high correlation (ICC 0.996, P<0.001) for Axial Length (AL) and a moderate correlation (ICC 0.807, P<0.001) for Anterior Chamber Depth (ACD). Subgroup analysis based on the LOCS III classification revealed a strong agreement in the nuclear opacity group for AL in the Major subgroup (ICC 0.995, P<0.001). In the nuclear color group, AL showed agreement in the Major subgroup (ICC 0.989, P<0.001). For the cortical group, AL correlations were (ICC 0.996, P<0.001) in the Major subgroup. In the posterior subcapsular group, AL correlations were 0.995 (P<0.001) for the Major subgroup.

This study indicates that both technologies for IOL measurement provide a high degree of confidence and safety. ARGOS is shown to be a reliable alternative, producing comparable results, being user-friendly, operator-independent, and delivering results very similar to ultrasound biometry, emerging as an excellent substitute. It is particularly useful in settings lacking trained personnel or due to its simplicity in calculating intraocular lenses before cataract surgery, regardless of cataract severity.