Correlation of Ultrasonic Elastography of the Lens With Refractive Error and Biometric Parameters in Non-presbyopic and Presbyopic Patients

Background Presbyopia is the loss of near vision that occurs with ageing due to changes in the lens elasticity and muscle function within the eye. However, the influence of biometric properties and the occurrence of presbyopia are not fully understood. Objective This study investigates the correlation between biometric properties and lens elasticity in individuals with non-presbyopia and presbyopia across various age groups. Methods The study was conducted at the ophthalmology and radiology departments of a large teaching hospital in Selangor, Malaysia. Using a cross-sectional approach, 84 subjects were recruited, with 44 presbyopic and 40 non-presbyopic subjects. The subjects were screened for biometric properties and lens elasticity. Participant eligibility was determined through various tests, including the assessment of refractive errors and visual acuity. Lens thickness and axial length were measured after the best eye was chosen for testing. The eyes were then scanned utilising ultrasound elastography with shear wave technology. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation tests. Results Biometric parameters such as amplitude of accommodation (p < 0.001), degree of presbyopia (p < 0.001), lens elasticity (p < 0.001) and lens intensity (p = 0.002) were significantly different between the presbyopic and non-presbyopic subjects. The amplitude of accommodation reduced significantly (p < 0.001) with age, while the degree of presbyopia increased with age compared to younger age subjects (p < 0.001). The mean lens thickness (p = 0.005), elastic degree (p < 0.001), and lens intensity (p < 0.001) increased significantly with advancing age. The elasticity degree was significantly higher in the presbyopia group compared to the non-presbyopia group (13.21 ± 2.09 kPa vs. 6.98 ± 1.73 kPa; p < 0.001). Lens accommodation correlated inversely with lens elasticity degree, whereas the degree of presbyopia correlated positively with lens elasticity degree. Conclusion Biometric properties are promising and reliable indicators in determining lens elasticity and its association with presbyopia. A diagnostic prospective cohort study may be considered in future research to confirm this finding. Such information may assist in developing innovative and cost-effective markers for the early prevention and management of presbyopia.