Effect of Cycloplegia on Optical Biometry in Pediatric Eyes.

PURPOSE: To study the effect of cycloplegia on optical biometry parameters in pediatric eyes using the Lenstar LS 900 (Haag-Streit, Koeniz, Switzerland).

METHODS: In this observational and comparative study, 56 normal eyes and 20 cataractous eyes in children between 5 and 15 years of age were included. Measurements were taken before and after cycloplegia using 2% homatropine drops. Parameters studied were axial length, central corneal thickness, keratometry, anterior chamber depth, and lens thickness. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare the effects of cycloplegia on all parameters.

RESULTS: Cycloplegia resulted in a statistically significant decrease in axial length (P < .05), central corneal thickness (P < .05), and lens thickness (P < .001) and an increase in the anterior chamber depth (P < .001) in normal eyes. In the cataract group, cycloplegia resulted in an increase in anterior chamber depth (P < .001) and decrease in lens thickness (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS: Biometry measurements have to be carefully interpreted in pediatric eyes where cycloplegia is an important part of the examination. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2018;55(4):260-265.].