Influence Of Artificial Tears On Keratometric Measurements

To evaluate the influence of artificial tears on repeatability of three different biometry devices after application of lubricant eyes drops

Department of Ophthalmology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany

In this randomized prospective trial we included healthy eyes only to measure the influence of artificial tears on repeatability of three different biometry devices (Pentacam AXL , Oculus, Germany; IO Master 700, Carl Zeiss Meditec; Galilei G6 Scheimplfug Analyzer, Ziemer) after application of lubricant eyes drops. Two measurements were taken prior to (baseline) and 4 measurements after (30s, 2min, 5 min, 10min) application of lubricant eyes drops. The patients eye and used device were randomized. 

 Forty-eight eyes per device (144 in total) were included. Repeatability between the baseline measurements was high but there was a significant variability after 30s and 2min for the IOL Master 700 and the Galilei G6, and up to 5min for the Pentacam AXL comparing the k values. It was highest for the 30s measures and became less over time. 

Using lubricant eye drops can result in high variability of keratometric measures for all used devices. This should be considered after application and at least 5 minutes of time should pass before measurements are take.