Visual outcome by using immersion biometry technique in senile cataract patients

Background: Phacoemulsification with implantation of a foldable lens has evolved into a refractive surgery procedure in which optimal ocular biometry is essential for favorable visual and refractive outcomes. The immersion A-scan ultrasound biometry is considered clinically relevant, especially in mature cataract cases and resource-constrained settings. Objective: To find accurate axial length measurements obtained by the immersion biometry technique. In addition, to assess postoperative visual and refractive outcomes in patients undergoing microincision phacoemulsification with lens implant for all types of cataract patients. Methodology: A retrospective observational study was conducted at the Eye Unit of Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore. A total of 101 senile patients of both genders were enrolled. Axial length analysis was performed using immersion A-scan biometry with an automated biometer, a machine marketed as Axis 2 PR with a plastic shell. By using the SRK-II formula, the intraocular lens power was calculated. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Results: The data analysis revealed that the mean age was 59 ± 9 years (95% CI: 57.2–60.8). Moreover, the mean axial length was 22.89 ± 1.11 mm (95% CI: 22.67–23.11), mean keratometry was 44.78 ± 1.32 D (95% CI: 44.52–45.04). Postoperatively, 63.5% (95% CI: 54.0–72.2) of eyes achieved spherical equivalent within ±0.50 D of target refraction, while residual myopia occurred in 21.3% (95% CI: 14.0–30.3) and hyperopic shift in 15.0% (95% CI: 8.9–23.1). Conclusion: The immersion A-scan biometry remained a viable option in patients with dense cataracts in resource-constrained countries like Pakistan, where cataract-related blindness is still alarming.