A comparative study between Pentacam and optical biometry measurements of anterior-chamber depth and keratometric values in normal and myopic eyes

Purpose Accurate measurement of the anterior-segment parameters is important for diagnosis of various pathologies such as cataract and glaucoma. Anterior-chamber depth (ACD) and corneal radii (R1, R2) are important parameters for biometry and refractive surgery. Considering ACD into the calculation of the intraocular lens power is an effective method to reduce postoperative errors. Aim To compare the anterior-segment parameters in the form of ACD, K-readings, and astigmatism measurements by using Pentacam and optical biometer in both normal and myopic eyes. Patients and methods A comparative observational case–control study was conducted at the outpatient clinic of Al-Zahraa University Hospital and Al-Rwad Eye Hospital from April to August 2020. Pentacam measurements was taken at Al-Rwad Eye Hospital and optical biometry was done at Al-Zahraa University Hospital. Our study was performed on 60 phakic eyes classified into two groups: group I (30 normal eyes) and group II (30 myopic eyes). The ACD, keratometry, and corneal astigmatism were measured using corneal topography WaveLight Allegro Oculyzer Pentacam and then optical biometry using Nidek AL Scan Optical Biometer (Nidek Co. Ltd). Results Our study showed that there was no significant difference between the optical biometer and Pentacam in measuring ACD, corneal power, and astigmatism measurements for both normal and myopic groups. Conclusion The WaveLight Allegro Oculyzer Pentacam and the Nidek AL Scan Optical Biometer are excellent noncontact devices and the results obtained using the two devices were well correlated and comparable, so they could be used interchangeably in most clinical settings.