Correlation of age-related cataract density graded by the Scheimpflug Imaging System with visual function and phacoemulsification energy.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between lens density in age-related cataract and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and the impact of cataract grade assessed via 3D lens densitometry by Pentacam Nucleus Grading System (PNS) on Phacodynamics (phaco-time and phaco-energy). To achieve the aim 55 patients with age-related cataract were evaluated. Lens density was assessed using the PNS. BCVA was tested with Snellen chart. Surgery was performed with no adjustment of parameters and phaco-energy-time was monitored. The correlations between the lens density, BCVA and phaco-energy/time were analyzed. There was a negative linear correlation between lens density and BCVA and positive correlation between density and total dissipated phaco-energy. The cataract PNS grade negatively correlated with the visual function. The positive correlation was found between the lens density and phacoemulsification time and energy. The Scheimpflug optical densitometry offers objective grading and can be used both for prediction and for monitoring of the condition. PNS enables to predict phacodynamics and the most suitable phaco settings to minimize the disturbance of the eye during surgery.