Automated Comprehensive Analysis of Preoperative Biometric Parameters in Cataract Patients: A Retrospective Study of over 6000 Eyes

Cataract surgery is one of the most successful surgical procedures, improving vision and quality of life for millions globally. An accurate preoperative measurement is crucial for predicting outcomes, particularly in minimizing postoperative refractive errors through precise intraocular lens (IOL) selection. This study aimed to analyze preoperative biometric data in cataract patients to identify key parameters relevant for clinical decision-making. The study also sought to understand patient demographics and biometrics in a representative population. An automated retrospective analysis was conducted on the preoperative biometric data of 6 163 eyes from 3 118 patients who underwent cataract or clear lens extraction (CLE) surgery in a German clinic over the past 2 years. All measurements were taken using the IOL Master 700 (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena, Germany), and data were automatically transferred for analysis using a dedicated software tool. Biometric parameters assessed included axial length (AL), keratometry values (K, TK), anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness (LT), and vitreous length (VL). The age and gender distribution of the cohort was also considered. The biometric data from this large patient cohort largely aligns with published norms for cataract patients. The majority of eyes exhibited ALs and corneal curvatures within expected ranges, supporting accurate IOL power calculations. The study also confirmed a high prevalence of mild astigmatism, suggesting that toric IOLs could address residual astigmatism for better visual outcomes. This study's large sample size adds valuable insights into preoperative cataract patient data and shows the value of an automated analysis.