DGH A-Scan: A Simple Guide to the Scanmate A Biometer
Eye doctors need very accurate tools to measure the eye. Small errors in eye length or depth can lead to big mistakes in cataract surgery or myopia care. The DGH 6000 Scanmate A, also called the DGH A-Scan, is one of the most trusted devices for this job.
This article explains the DGH A in simple words. You will learn what it is, how it works, what it measures, and why many clinics use it.RaterPoint
What is an A-Scan?
An A-scan ultrasound is a machine that uses sound waves to measure the inside of the eye. Doctors use it for:
Cataract surgery planning to find the right lens power.
Refractive lens exchange when replacing the natural lens for vision correction.
Myopia management to check if the eye is growing too long.
Main Eye Measurements
Axial Length AXL: How long the eye is, front to back.
Anterior Chamber Depth ACD: The space between the cornea and the lens.
Lens Thickness LT: How thick the natural lens is.
Even 0.1 mm difference in axial length can change vision results. That’s why the DGH A is designed to be very precise.
Main Parts of the DGH A
The DGH A is small, light, and connects to a Windows computer with a USB cable.
Components
USB interface module makes the connection.
10 MHz ultrasound probe takes the eye scan.
Fixation light helps patients keep their eyes steady.
Immersion shell Prager shell for non-contact measurements.
Calibration block checks accuracy.
Carrying case easy to move between clinics.
Measurement Modes
The device has two ways to scan the eye:
Contact Mode
The probe touches the cornea.
Fast and easy.
Risk: pressing too hard may shorten readings.
Immersion Mode
The probe is placed in a water shell.
No contact with the cornea.
Gives the most accurate results.
Technical Specs
The DGH A can measure different parts of the eye with high precision.
| Parameter | Range | Resolution | Repeatability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Axial Length AXL | 15 – 40 mm | 0.01 mm | ±0.03 mm |
| Anterior Chamber Depth ACD | 2 – 6 mm | 0.01 mm | ±0.03 mm |
| Lens Thickness LT | 2 – 7.5 mm | 0.01 mm | ±0.03 mm |
This level of detail ensures reliable results in both normal and complex eyes.
Features that Improve Accuracy
The DGH A comes with smart features that help doctors get correct readings:
Sound feedback beeps when the probe is in the right place.
Waveform grading gives quality scores for scans.
Compression lockout stops wrong results from pressing too hard.
Manual check option lets the doctor confirm or override results.
Software and Workflow
The DGH A works with Scanmate software. This program turns a PC into a complete biometry system.
Software Features
Unlimited installs no extra cost to use on many PCs.
Patient database keeps records organized.
EMR/EHR export shares data with medical records.
Reports prints or saves results as PDF.
Backups safe and secure storage.
Step-by-Step Workflow
Enter patient information.
Take the scan in contact or immersion mode.
Run IOL lens calculations.
Save or print the report.
This simple process saves time and reduces mistakes.
Intraocular Lens IOL Calculations
One of the most important jobs of the DGH A is to calculate IOL power for cataract surgery.
Common IOL Formulas
SRK II
SRK/T
Hoffer Q
Holladay 1
Haigis
Binkhorst II
Post-Refractive Formulas
For patients who had LASIK, PRK, or RK surgery:
Double-K SRK/T
Shammas
History-based method
Refraction-based method
Contact lens over-refraction
The device also learns over time by comparing predicted vs. real outcomes and adjusting lens constants.
Myopia Management
The DGH A is not only for surgery. It is also useful for myopia control.
How It Helps
Tracks axial length growth over time.
Makes progression reports to see changes clearly.
Supports treatment decisions like:
Atropine eye drops
Orthokeratology Ortho-K
Lifestyle changes less screen time, more outdoor play
As childhood myopia becomes more common, this feature is very valuable.
Safety and Standards
The DGH A is safe and follows strict medical rules.
Compliance
Class II medical device under US FDA rules.
Standards: IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-1-2, NEMA UD-2/UD-3.
Approvals: FDA cleared and CE marked.
Low ultrasound power safe for repeated use.
ALARA principle uses the lowest possible exposure.
Only trained eye doctors and staff should use it.
What Comes with the Device
When you buy the DGH A, you usually get:
Ultrasound probe with fixation light.
Immersion Prager shell.
Calibration block.
Software CD/USB with license.
Protective carrying case.
Key Benefits
The DGH A has several advantages for clinics:
Portable less than 2 lbs, USB-powered.
Affordable usually $3,995 – $4,395, cheaper than optical biometers.
Flexible supports contact and immersion methods.
Accurate repeatability within ±0.03 mm.
Practical integrates with EMR/EHR and works on many PCs.
Comparison Table
| Feature | DGH A Scanmate A | Optical Biometer |
|---|---|---|
| Portability | Very light, USB device | Large console unit |
| Modes | Contact + Immersion | Optical only |
| Accuracy | ±0.03 mm immersion | High, but can fail in dense cataracts |
| Price | ~$3,995 – $4,395 | $20,000+ |
| Myopia tracking | Yes | Sometimes |
| Software license | Unlimited | Often limited |
This shows how the DGH A is a cost-effective and flexible choice for many practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DGH A-Scan used for?
The DGH A-Scan Scanmate A is used to measure the length and internal parts of the eye. Eye doctors use it for cataract surgery planning, refractive lens procedures, and myopia management.
How does the DGH A-Scan work?
It uses ultrasound waves to scan the eye. The probe either touches the cornea contact mode or floats in water without touching immersion mode. The machine then calculates important values like axial length, anterior chamber depth, and lens thickness.
Can the DGH A-Scan be used for children with myopia?
Yes. The DGH A includes axial length progression reports. These help eye doctors track how a child’s eye is growing. This makes it useful for myopia control treatments, such as atropine drops, Ortho-K lenses, or lifestyle changes.
Is the DGH A-Scan safe?
Yes. The device uses low ultrasound energy and follows the ALARA principle As Low As Reasonably Achievable. It is FDA cleared and CE marked. Only trained medical staff should operate it.
How much does the DGH Scanmate A cost?
The price usually ranges between $3,995 and $4,395 depending on the distributor and region. This makes it much cheaper than optical biometers, which can cost $20,000 or more.
Can the DGH A connect to electronic medical records EMR/EHR?
Yes. The Scanmate software allows EMR/EHR export, database storage, and custom PDF or printed reports. This makes it easy to keep patient records organized.
Who should use the DGH A-Scan?
It is designed for ophthalmologists, optometrists, and trained technicians who perform cataract evaluations or myopia management. It is a prescription-only medical device and not for home use.
Conclusion
The DGH 6000 Scanmate A is a small but powerful tool for eye care. It gives accurate measurements, supports many IOL formulas, and even helps track myopia in children. Its USB design, affordable price, and reliable software make it a popular option for eye clinics around the world.
Whether in cataract surgery planning or long-term myopia management, the DGH A provides doctors with confidence and patients with better outcomes.
