New technology for examining the anterior segment by ultrasonic biomicroscopy.

PURPOSE: 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. SETTING: 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). CONCLUSION: Biometry, patient comfort, and ease of use were better with the ClearScan bag/balloon technology than with the traditional open-shell technique.