Ability to Measure Axial Length Using the IOL Master in Preschool Children: The Multi–Ethnic Pediatric Eye Disease Study

Abstract

Purpose: : To assess the ability to measure axial length with the IOL Master in African American and Hispanic children 30 to 72 months of age.

Methods: : The Multi–Ethnic Pediatric Eye Disease Study (MEPEDS) is a population–based study of eye disease in children aged 6 months to 72 months. Study participants underwent an interview and a clinical examination that included measurement of axial length in those children aged 30–72 months using the Zeiss IOL Master. Age–, gender–, and ethnic– specific measurement rates were calculated. If two or more measurements were obtained in both eyes, children were considered "able", and if two or more measurements were not able to be obtained in both eyes children were considered "unable". Chi–square analyses and the trend test were used to determine differences in ability to measure axial length between age, gender, and ethnic groups.

Results: : The IOL Master was attempted on 1800 children (1000 Hispanic and 800 African American; 899 males and 901 females) aged 30–72 months. Overall, 91% of the children were testable (91% Hispanic and 90% African American; 90% male and 92% female). Measurement rates were 79% for children aged 30–36 months, 90% for children aged 37–48 months, 92% for children aged 49–60 months, and 96% for children aged 61–72 months. After adjusting for age, there was no significant difference between males and females (p=0.36) or between Hispanics and African Americans (p=0.41).

Conclusions: : Overall, the protocol to measure axial length using the IOL Master was successful in this sample of preschool children particularly in those aged 37 months and older. Non–contact measurement of axial length using the IOL Master can provide a measure of ocular size in preschool children who participate in population–based studies of ocular health.

Keywords: clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: systems/equipment/techniques • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: prevalence/incidence • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: biostatistics/epidemiology methodology