Device for cataract analysis: development and relevance to cataract surgery.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the relationship between World Health Organization (WHO) cataract grade determined with a new device and (1) preoperative visual acuity and (2) the difficulty of specific steps in cataract surgery.

SETTING

Yamaguchi University Hospital, Yamaguchi, Japan.

METHODS

Patients who had cataract surgery between January 2006 and September 2008 were enrolled in this prospective study. Preoperatively, the Konan Anterior Segment Tri Camera System 1000 cataract analysis device was used to evaluate the WHO cataract grade in each eye. The main outcome measures were preoperative visual acuity, the time required for continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) and for irrigation/aspiration (I/A), and the total effective phaco time (EPT).

RESULTS

Sixty-four eyes (53 patients) were evaluated. Preoperative visual acuity decreased significantly as the posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC) grade increased (P<.01). Preoperative logMAR values also differed significantly between cataracts classified as mild (score 1 to 3), moderate (score 4 to 6), and severe (score 7 to 9) on the basis of the total nuclear (NUC) + cortical (COR) + PSC score. The CCC and I/A times increased with increasing COR grade, whereas the total EPT increased with increasing NUC grade.

CONCLUSIONS

Evaluation of lens opacity based on the WHO grading system using the new cataract analysis device indicated which surgical procedures are likely to be problematic. The device may also be useful in training residents in cataract surgery.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

Mr. Araki is an employee of Konan Medical, Inc. No other author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.