Measuring the cataractous lens. Issue 9 (September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shammas, John H.; Shammas, Maya C.
• Is Part Of: Journal of cataract and refractive surgery. Volume 41:Issue 9(2015)
• Publication Date: 2015-09
• Subjects: 617.7
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrs.2015.10.036
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0886-3350

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose : To evaluate the lens thickness, anterior cortex space, nucleus thickness, and posterior cortex space in cataractous eyes and compare them with those in eyes of younger patients with clear lenses. Setting : Private practice, Lynwood, California, USA. Design : Retrospective observational study. Methods : The study evaluated a group of cataractous eyes and compared them with a group of eyes of younger patients with clear lenses. All measurements were performed with a biometer (Lenstar LS 900). Results : The cataractous group (200 eyes) had a greater mean lens thickness (4.65 mm ± 0.41 [SD]) than the control group (80 eyes) (4.09 ± 0.33 mm). The mean measured values for the cataractous groups and control groups were 0.84 ± 0.21 mm and 0.35 ± 0.11 mm for anterior cortex space, 3.31 ± 0.25 mm and 3.27 ± 0.27 mm for mean nucleus thickness, and 0.51 ± 0.16 mm and 0.48 ± 0.13 mm for mean posterior cortex space, respectively. Anterior cortex space, nucleus thickness, and posterior cortex space correlated positively with lens thickness ( r = 0.69, r = 0.69, and r = 0.59, respectively). Lens thickness, anterior cortex space, nucleus thickness, and posterior cortex space showed a weak inverse correlation with axial length ( r = 0.06, r = 0.08, r = 0.10, and r = 0.10, respectively) and an inverse correlation with anterior chamber depth ( r = 0.57, r = 0.43, r = 0.42, and r = 0.22, respectively). Lens thickness showed a positive correlation with age ( r = 0.28), as did the anterior cortex space ( r = 0.32) and posterior cortex space ( r = 0.26), but nucleus thickness did not show a positive correlation ( r = 0.02). Conclusion : Lens thickness increased with age and with cataract formation and was mostly attributable to an increase in the anterior cortex space. Financial Disclosure : Neither author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.