Correlation between automated assessment of senile cataract density and the applied ultrasound energy during phacoemulsification

Introduction. Cataract density is highly important factor when choosing a surgical method and setting the parameters of a phacoemulsification device. Diagnostic devices enable automated assessment of lens opacification degree. Material and Methods. Study included 30 patients operated on for senile cataracts at the Clinic of Eye Diseases of the University Clinical Center of Vojvodina. After determining the preoperative best corrected visual acuity, cataract density was assessed using the Pentacam Nucleus Staging scale of the Scheimpflug imaging system, Pentacam AXL Wave (Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany). The evaluation of the applied ultrasound energy during phacoemulsification was quantified and expressed in the form of Cumulative Dissipated Energy index of the Centurion Vision System (Alcon, Irvine, USA) eye microsurgery device. The obtained results are expressed in the form of mean values, and their connection is presented in the form of correlation. Results. Statistically significant positive correlation was found between the cataract density expressed with use of the Pentacam Nucleus Staging scale and the applied ultrasound energy during surgery, expressed in the form of Cumulative Dissipated Energy index (r=0.37, p=0.04). No statistically significant correlation was found between preoperative best corrected visual acuity and cataract density expressed with the Pentacam Nucleus Staging scale (p>0.05) or between preoperative best corrected visual acuity and Cumulative Dissipated Energy index (p>0.05). Conclusion. The obtained data indicate a positive correlation (r=0.37, p=0.04) between the degree of lens opacification assessed by Pentacam Nucleus Staging scale and the required ultrasound energy applied during phacoemulsification expressed as Cumulative Dissipated Energy index.