Comparison of Age-derived Lens Thickness to Optically Measured Lens Thickness in IOL Power Calculation: A Clinical Study

PURPOSE: To assess whether lens thickness derived from age should be used in intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation. METHODS: Ninety-three eyes underwent optical low coherence reflectometry (OLCR) prior to cataract surgery. Lens thickness (LT) by OLCR was used to calculate the IOL power. The mean absolute refractive error (MAE) and mean refractive error (ME) were calculated. Regression analysis between age and LT was performed. The expected IOL power, MAE, and ME were calculated with two age-derived lens thickness formulae: LT=4+(age/100) and LT=3.81+(0.0119xage). RESULTS: Lens thickness by OLCR was not significantly different from that by age, but the IOL power was different. Refractive outcome was better with OLCR-based LT. Correlation between age and LT was not as linear as implied by the formulae. CONCLUSIONS: In its current form, age-derived LT should not be used in IOL power calculation. [J Refract Surg. 2012;28(2):154-155.] doi:10.3928/1081597X-20111209-01