Distribution of axial length, anterior chamber depth, and corneal curvature in an aged population in South China.

Hui Chen,Zhuoling Lin,Haotian Lin,Jingjing Chen,Weirong Chen

doi:10.1186/s12886-016-0221-5

Abstract

BackgroundOcular biometry is important for preoperative assessment in cataract and anterior segment surgery. The purpose of this study was to investigate normative ocular biometric parameters and their associations in an older Chinese population.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional observational study. From 2013 to 2014, we recruited inhabitants aged 50 years or older in Guangzhou, China. Among 1,117 participants in the study, data from 1,015 phakic right eyes were used for analyses. Ocular parameters including axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), and corneal curvature (K) were measured using an IOL Master.ResultsThe mean AL, ACD, and K were 23.48 mm [95 % confidence interval (CI), 23.40–23.55], 3.03 mm (CI, 3.01–3.05), and 44.20 mm (CI, 44.11–44.29), respectively. A mean reduction in ACD with age was observed (P = 0.002) in male subjects but not in female subjects (P = 0.558). Male subjects had significantly longer ALs (23.68 mm versus 23.23 mm, P < 0.001), deeper ACDs (3.13 mm versus 2.95 mm, P < 0.001), and flatter Ks (43.85D versus 44.50 D, P < 0.001) than female subjects. Eyes with axial elongation had a flatter cornea (r = −0.437, P < 0.001) and a deeper anterior chamber (r = 0.652, p < 0.001). The ACD was correlated with K (r = −0.266, P < 0.001).ConclusionsThese data provide normative values for AL, ACD, and K using the IOL Master for a population in South China. The AL in this Chinese cohort was greater than that observed in the Singaporean Chinese but smaller than that observed in Malaysia and for Caucasians. The Chinese have a shallower ACD than some other racial groups. Age and sex were the most consistent predictors of ocular biometry in the older population from South China.

Highlights

Ocular biometry is important for preoperative assessment in cataract and anterior segment surgery
In our recent study of the adult Chinese population before cataract surgery, we reported that the standard deviation of the Axial length (AL) in this cohort was lower than European populations
Our study provides population-based cross-sectional normative data on AL, anterior chamber depth (ACD), and K based on intraocular lens (IOL) Master measurements of an adult population, 50–98 years of age, from urban South China

Summary

Introduction

Ocular biometry is important for preoperative assessment in cataract and anterior segment surgery. The purpose of this study was to investigate normative ocular biometric parameters and their associations in an older Chinese population. Cataract surgery has become one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures worldwide, and AL and other ocular biometrics such as anterior chamber depth (ACD) and corneal curvature (K) are considered the most important determinants for accurate intraocular lens (IOL) power calculations. Determination of the normal range of these parameters will provide ophthalmologists with important information that can lead to an improvement in cataract surgical outcomes. In our recent study of the adult Chinese population before cataract surgery, we reported that the standard deviation of the AL in this cohort was lower than European populations. The study was clinic based, and may not be representative of the entire population

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