New technology for examining the anterior segment by ultrasonic biomicroscopy.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the comfort levels and measurement accuracy of the open-shell technique and a bag/balloon technology (ClearScan, ESI) in anterior segment ultrasound biomicroscopy.


METHODS
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Robert Cizik Eye Clinic, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA.


METHODS
In this prospective investigation, 20 subjects stated their preference and rated comfort (0 best to 5 worst) for the open-shell technique versus the bag/balloon technology. Three anterior chamber depth and sulcus-to-sulcus measurements were obtained, and the mean for each structure was taken as datum for each subject. Order presentation between the 2 methods was randomized. Pairwise t tests and linear regression analysis were used to determine statistical differences.


RESULTS
One hundred percent of the cohort preferred the bag/balloon technology to the traditional open-shell technique. The mean comfort score was 0.40 +/- 0.53 (SD) and 2.95 +/- 0.90, respectively (P<.0001). Anterior chamber depth measurements did not differ clinically (0.056 mm) nor did sulcus-to-sulcus determinations (0.039 mm).


CONCLUSIONS
Biometry, patient comfort, and ease of use were better with the ClearScan bag/balloon technology than with the traditional open-shell technique.
Bell
Nicholas P
NP
University of Texas Medical School at Houston , Houston, Texas, USA. nick.bell@earthlink.net
Feldman
Robert M
RM
Zou
Yali
Y
Prager
Thomas C
TC
D000869:Anterior Eye Segment / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D001699:Biometry / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D033401:Microscopy, Acoustic / Q000379:methods*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires