Scheimpflug Lens Densitometry as Objective Measure of Crystalline Lens Opacity
Purpose
To evaluate the use of Scheimpflug lens densitometry as an objective measure of crystalline lens opacity. To correlate the degree of lens density with level of subjective visual impairment in order to improve diagnosis and treatment of the dysfunctional crystalline lens.
Methods
Patients who underwent crystalline lens extraction and placement of an intraocular lens implant were evaluated prior to and after surgery. Lens density measurements of both the crystalline lens and lens implant were taken using the area densitometry function of the Oculus Pentacam Scheimpflug imaging system. Density measurements were correlated to best corrected distance visual acuity, brightness acuity testing, degree of clinical lens opacification, and manifest refraction.
Results
This is an ongoing study. Final results will be updated prior to the update deadline. The mean preoperative crystalline lens density was 10.928+/-3.341. The mean postoperative intraocular lens implant density was 4.47+/-0.164. This difference was found to be statistically different (p<0.01). Correlation of density to other subjective clinical data is pending.
Conclusion
There is a significant decrease in measurable lens density after crystalline lens removal and placement of an intraocular lens implant. Crystalline lens density is a reliable, objective measure of potential visual impairment and offers a novel way to quantitatively evaluate visual degradation caused by crystalline lens opacification.