Optical Biometry (Myopia Tracking)
ophthalmology
Optical Biometry (Myopia Tracking) is available at 1 hospital across 1 city in the Voumed network.
1 hospital operates this technology across 1 country through the Voumed network; 1 of them holds JCI accreditation.
Optical biometry is a quick, non-contact diagnostic technology that measures the eye with great precision using a beam of light rather than any physical contact. It is widely used in two situations: to plan eye surgery accurately, by determining the exact power of the artificial lens needed, and to detect and monitor short-sightedness (myopia), especially in children and young adults whose eyes are still growing. In a single, painless scan it records the key dimensions of the eye, providing the precise numbers that guide both surgical planning and long-term follow-up.
Key takeaways
- Optical biometry measures the inside of the eye with a beam of light and no contact, recording the axial length front to back together with corneal curvature and other key dimensions.
- Two groups gain from it: adults heading for cataract or refractive lens surgery, who need exact numbers to pick the implant power, and growing children or young adults whose myopia has to be tracked.
- The chin rests on a support, the eye fixes on a target, and within seconds the device calculates the dimensions and either feeds them into implant formulas or compares a child's figures with age reference databases.
- Nothing touches the eye, no numbing drops are used, there is no pressure and no recovery, so the scan slots into a routine appointment and normal activity carries on straight after.
- The scan measures rather than treats, so an eye specialist reads the standardised report, judges whether the eye is lengthening faster than expected and sets how often it should be repeated.
On this page
At a glance
- Type
- non-contact optical measurement device
- Used for
- surgical lens planning and tracking myopia progression
- Key benefit
- fast, precise, painless measurement of the eye
- Anaesthesia
- none, the test is non-contact and comfortable
- Where it is used
- leading accredited eye centres abroad
What it is
Optical biometry uses light to measure the internal structures of the eye without touching its surface. Its most important measurement is the axial length, the front-to-back distance of the eye, along with the curvature of the cornea and other key dimensions. Because it is contactless, it is comfortable and avoids the small risks of older contact methods. In children, axial length is the most reliable marker of how fast the eye is lengthening, which is what drives myopia. In adults preparing for cataract or lens surgery, these same precise measurements are essential for choosing the correct artificial lens.
How it works
The patient simply rests their chin on a support and looks at a target inside the device while a harmless beam of light scans the eye. The whole measurement takes only seconds and causes no discomfort. The device then calculates the eye's dimensions and, where relevant, compares a child's results against large reference databases by age and other factors to show whether the eye is growing faster than expected. For surgery, the measurements feed into formulas that determine the precise power of the lens implant. The result is a clear, standardised report the specialist uses for diagnosis or planning.
What it treats and who it helps
Optical biometry is not a treatment in itself but a precise measurement tool that guides care. It is valuable for children and young adults with progressing myopia, helping confirm a diagnosis early and track whether glasses, special lenses or other myopia-control measures are slowing the eye's growth. It is equally important for adults undergoing cataract or refractive lens surgery, where accurate measurements directly affect the quality of vision afterwards. By providing reliable numbers, it helps the eye specialist make confident, individualised decisions.
Benefits and what to expect
The main benefits are speed, comfort and accuracy. Because it is non-contact, there is nothing to numb, no pressure on the eye and no recovery time; the test fits easily into a routine appointment. Its high precision supports better surgical planning and clearer vision after lens surgery, and its reliable tracking helps families and specialists make timely decisions about myopia control. Patients can expect a brief scan, after which the specialist explains the results and what they mean for diagnosis, treatment or follow-up.
Frequently asked questions
These answers are general guidance and may vary by provider. Confirm the details with the hospital you choose.
Does the test hurt or touch my eye?
No. Optical biometry is completely non-contact and painless. A beam of light measures the eye while you look at a target, so nothing touches the surface and no numbing drops are needed.
How long does it take?
The measurement itself usually takes only a few seconds per eye. The whole appointment is short, and you can return to normal activities immediately afterwards.
Why is it used before eye surgery?
Before cataract or lens surgery, the surgeon needs the exact dimensions of your eye to choose an artificial lens of the correct power. Optical biometry provides these precise measurements, which directly affect how clearly you see afterwards.
How does it help with myopia in children?
By measuring the eye's axial length very accurately and comparing it over time, the device shows whether the eye is lengthening faster than normal. This helps confirm myopia early and check whether treatments to slow its progression are working.
How often should the test be repeated?
For children with myopia, it is usually repeated at intervals to monitor progression, as advised by the eye specialist. For surgical planning, it is performed beforehand and may be checked again if needed.
Is it safe for children?
Yes. Because the test uses only a harmless beam of light and does not touch the eye, it is safe and comfortable, which makes it well suited to children and to repeated follow-up over time.
Not sure which hospital fits your case?
Upload your medical records and let AI match you to the right hospital.
Upload records and get matchedAvailable in these cities
Not sure which hospital fits your case?
Upload your medical records and let AI match you to the right hospital.
Upload records and get matched