Newly cleared biometer twice as fast as previous platforms

Dublin, CA-The FDA has approved a new biometer (IOLMaster 500, Carl Zeiss Meditec) to calculate eye measurements for lens selection related to cataract surgery.

The device has dual measurement capabilities, composite signal filtering, and user-interface advancements, according to the manufacturer, making it twice as fast as previous platforms and increasing the percentage of eyes it can measure, including those of patients who have dense cataracts.

When introduced a decade ago, this biometer was the first automatic biometry system available that did not make contact with the patient’s eye, the manufacturer reports. More than 11,000 units exist in the world today.

“The newest and most advanced [model] . . . incorporates new algorithms and user-friendly enhancements, resulting in greater efficiency, clinical accuracy, and overall performance,” said Ludwin Monz, chief executive officer of Carl Zeiss Meditec.

Advanced capabilities of the new biometer:

• Increased speed. In individual practice studies, the new device has been shown to complete all measurements in as few as 80 seconds.
• Dual-mode measurements. Axial length and keratometry calculations can be collected simultaneously, at the push of a button.
• Composite signal filtering. New sound-filtering technology excludes poor readings and increases the percentage of cataract patients that can be measured.
• Seamless data integration. This feature allows workflow integration of A-scan ultrasound biometry for difficult cases, such as extremely dense cataracts.
• Data transfer to the Holladay Consultant program.
• New graphical user interface. Green, red, and yellow “traffic light” reporting is designed to allow technicians of all experience levels to achieve highly accurate diagnostic results.