Biometry and corneal astigmatism profile of Saudi patients to be operated for cataract: A cross-sectional study

Abstract: PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biometric parameters and their determinants in Saudi cataract patients. METHODS: This cross-sectional study covered consecutive cataract patients scheduled for surgery in 2024 at a Saudi hospital. We calculated the intraocular lens (IOLs) power, axial length (AL), corneal power (K), and anterior chamber depth. Corneal curvature and astigmatism nomograms were correlated with demographic details, visual acuity, comorbidities, and lens status. RESULTS: We studied 227 eyes of 124 Saudi adults. Functional normal vision (20/20–20/60) was present in 109 (47.6%) eyes. Diabetes was present in 41 (33%) patients. Nuclear sclerosis was observed in 171 (48.5%) eyes. The mean K (43.9 ± 1.7D). Astigmatism was with the rule in 93 (33.5%), against-the-rule in 76 (25.6%), and oblique in 58 (41%) eyes. Corneal parameters, except astigmatism, were significantly higher in male eyes than female eyes. The astigmatism, AL, and mean K were different in patients 60 years and older than those younger than 60. The corneal parameters were similar in patients with and without diabetes. CONCLUSION: The nomogram of corneal and astigmatic parameters in Saudi adults varies by patient gender and age and should be accounted for while estimating IOL powers and adjusting the cylindrical correction in cataract surgeries.