Current practice patterns in biometry and intraocular lens calculation in Spain

Abstract

Purpose.

To describe the current available technical resources, preferences and common practices in biometry and intraocular lens (IOL) calculation in Spain.

Methods.

Online survey distributed through two Spanish scientific societies’ communication channels. Twenty-eight questions were included, including two on affiliation, five on technical means and 21 on routine practice in biometry and IOL calculation.

Results.

A total of 300 valid individual responses were collected. Of these, 161 (55.1%) were from public centres, 131 (44.9%) from private centres and 8 cases could not be identified. In most centres, biometry was performed by an optometrist (43.5%), followed by nurses (28.5%) and ophthalmologists (27.1%). The most frequent biometer was the IOLMaster 700 (89 centres), followed by the IOLMaster 500 (76 centres). For spherical power calculation Barrett Universal II (58.3%) was the preferred formula, followed by SRK/T (22.7%). For toric IOL calculation, Barrett toric was the most used formula (71.7%), followed by Kane (9.0%), and for postrefractive surgery cases it was Barrett true K (38.3%), followed by the ASCRS calculator (28.7%). Half of the respondents (53.3%) expressed a need for further training on biometry and IOL calculation

Conclusion.

This survey updates the state of biometry and IOL calculation in our country, highlighting areas for improvement and promoting evidence-based practices. While modern technology and Barrett's formula are widely used, classical formulas remain common. Greater training efforts are recommended.