Biometers
A biometer is the measurement backbone of modern cataract and refractive-surgery planning. An optical biometer captures the eye's key dimensions — axial length, keratometry, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, central corneal thickness, white-to-white and pupil size — in a single non-contact scan, then feeds those values into IOL power formulas so the surgeon can target a precise post-operative refraction. Because even a small error in axial length translates into a meaningful error in lens power, the accuracy and repeatability of your biometer directly shape refractive outcomes and patient satisfaction.
US Ophthalmic is a US-based provider of optical biometry systems, not a pass-through reseller. We carry proven platforms from Huvitz and Tomey alongside our own Ezer line of ophthalmic equipment, and we back every biometer with a full US warranty, an in-house technical and repair department, and stocked spare parts — so your instrument stays calibrated and clinical uptime is protected. Tell us your surgical volume and case mix and we will help you match the right biometer to your practice or surgery center, then send a Request-a-Quote.
How to choose a biometer
- Measurement technology: Optical biometers use light interferometry rather than sound. Optical low-coherence reflectometry (OLCR), as in the Huvitz HBM-1, and swept-source OCT, as in the Tomey OA-2000, both deliver highly repeatable non-contact axial length. Swept-source designs generally offer strong tissue penetration and fast capture, which matters as case complexity grows.
- Performance through dense cataracts: The hardest eyes to measure are those with dense or mature cataracts. Look for features such as the HBM-1's Dense Cataract Mode or the deep penetration of swept-source OCT, which raise the acquisition success rate on media opacities and long myopic eyes where older instruments fail and force a fallback to ultrasound.
- Integrated keratometry and topography: Unlike ultrasound, an optical biometer measures corneal curvature itself, and many now add full Placido-ring corneal topography. A single unit that captures biometry plus topography reduces the number of devices in the lane and streamlines toric and premium-IOL planning.
- IOL formula library and toric planning: Confirm the on-board formulas cover your practice — modern and classic options such as Barrett, Haigis, Holladay, Hoffer Q and SRK/T, plus toric and post-refractive calculations. A broad formula set lets surgeons individualize lens selection instead of forcing every eye through one model.
- Workflow, connectivity and footprint: Consider measurement speed, ease of alignment for technicians, lane footprint, and EMR/DICOM connectivity so data flows into the record and surgical plan without re-keying. Small friction points add up across a busy clinic day.
- Service, warranty and spare parts: A biometer is a long-term capital instrument, so support matters as much as specs. We provide US-based warranty, in-house repair and calibration, spare parts and installation guidance — the difference between a quick fix and weeks of downtime if the unit ever needs attention.
Biometers we carry
A snapshot of representative optical biometers we provide and service. Configurations and software options vary, so ask us to confirm the exact build and IOL formula set for your practice.
| Model | Technology | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Huvitz HBM-1 | OLCR optical biometry + 24-ring Placido corneal topography | Practices wanting biometry and full corneal topography in one unit, with a Dense Cataract Mode for challenging eyes |
| Huvitz HBM-1 (M) | OLCR optical biometry with corneal topography (alternate HBM-1 build) | Buyers who want the HBM-1 biometry-plus-topography platform in a specific configuration — ask us which build fits your lane |
| Tomey OA-2000 | Swept-source OCT biometry + Placido-ring topography | High-throughput cataract practices needing strong penetration on dense or long myopic eyes and fast, non-contact scans |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an optical biometer and an ultrasound A-scan? An optical biometer measures axial length with light (interferometry); it is non-contact, more repeatable, and also captures keratometry, so no separate device is needed for IOL power. An ultrasound A-scan uses sound and touches the eye; it remains valuable as a backup for very dense cataracts or poor fixation where light cannot reach the retina. Most modern practices lead with optical biometry and keep ultrasound as a fallback.
Can an optical biometer measure through dense or mature cataracts? Increasingly, yes. Newer instruments use signal-boosting modes and swept-source OCT to acquire axial length through media opacities that defeated older optical devices. The Huvitz HBM-1 offers a Dense Cataract Mode and the Tomey OA-2000 uses swept-source technology for deeper penetration, both of which raise success rates on challenging eyes — though a small share of very dense cases may still require ultrasound.
Does a biometer replace a standalone keratometer or topographer? For IOL planning, an optical biometer already includes keratometry, so you do not need a separate keratometer for lens power calculation. Units with integrated Placido topography, such as the HBM-1, also provide corneal maps useful for toric alignment and screening, consolidating measurements that once required multiple devices. Dedicated topographers still have a role in advanced corneal work.
Which IOL formulas and calculations are supported? The biometers we carry support a range of IOL power formulas — commonly Barrett, Haigis, Holladay, Hoffer Q and SRK/T — along with toric IOL planning and post-refractive-surgery calculations. Because formula availability and versions differ by model and software, tell us your preferred formulas and we will confirm exactly what each unit supports before you buy.
Do you provide warranty and service on your biometers? Yes. We are a US-based provider, not a drop-ship reseller. Every biometer we supply is backed by a full US warranty, our in-house technical and repair team, calibration support and stocked spare parts, plus setup and training guidance. Share your volume and case mix through Request-a-Quote and we will recommend the right configuration and pricing.
