Eyeworld

46 | EYEWORLD | SEPTEMBER 2021 ATARACT C Relevant disclosures Hoffer: Receives royalties for the use of the trademark name Hoffer and assuring the accurate programming of his formulas from most all optical biometer manufacturers Loh: None Shammas: Alcon, Oculus The biggest reason why she sought out a new biometer recently to replace her IOLMaster 500 was enhanced capabilities, such as having newer formulas programmed and being able to penetrate through denser cataracts. What to consider in a new biometer There are different technologies that achieve biometry measurements via different principles, such as partial coherence interferometry (PCI) or optical low-coherence reflectometry (OLCR). One of the newer options is swept-source OCT (SS-OCT). Two swept-source OCT biometers available in the U.S. are the IOLMaster 700 (Carl Zeiss Meditec) and ARGOS. "After 50 years in this field, if I felt the need or had to buy a new instrument, I would make sure it was a swept-source OCT because of the technology being so much better, even though the result is about the same," Dr. Hoffer said. Dr. Shammas described swept-source OCT as "the new gold standard of biometry." He said new swept-source biometers have simple and highly efficient interfaces for easier IOL power selection using newer formulas. Dr. Loh ended up purchasing an ARGOS. Prior to the switch, she said her older biometer was not able to penetrate through denser cata- racts and she was having to switch to traditional If an ophthalmologist wants the latest and greatest technology—and can afford it—that's another reason to consider a new machine. These newer options have several refinements and technological improvements that are nice to have but not essential, according to Dr. Hoffer. H. John Shammas, MD, told EyeWorld he could think of two reasons why it might be time for an ophthalmologist to think about getting a new biometer. One scenario is in a busy cataract practice. "It will enhance the workflow, and there will be a substantial savings in time evaluating eyes prior to surgery. The newer biometers have a much higher acquisition rate, especially in dense cataracts with less dependence on A-scan immersion biometry," he said. Another scenario is for the ophthalmologist who has a 10-year-old (or older) biometer. "[I]t might make sense to acquire a new one instead of servicing an older one," he said. "Besides upgrading to a newer technology, he/ she will have access to the latest IOL power formulas." Jennifer Loh, MD, went through the process of researching and choosing a new biometer for her practice earlier this year. She had originally purchased an IOLMaster 500 when she opened her practice 5 years ago. At the time, she want- ed an optical biometer and went with an older model, which she said worked great for years. continued from page 45 TWITTER @ASCRStweets FACEBOOK @MyASCRS INSTAGRAM @ascrsofficial Follow us on social media Stay up to date with the latest ASCRS and EyeWorld news 4/7 2 YOUTUBE ASCRS

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