Effect of Cataract and its Removal on Signal Strength and Peripapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Optical Coherence Tomography Measurements

• DOI: 10.1097/ijg.0b013e3181ccb93b
• Publication Date: 2010-03-24T08:13:12Z
• Authors: Jean C. Mwanza; Anjali M. Bhorade; Navneet Sekhon; John J. McSoley; Sonia H. Yoo; William J. Feuer; Donald L. Budenz
• Keywords: Male; Retinal Ganglion Cells; Optic Disk; Glaucoma; Cataract Extraction; Cataract; Tonometry, Ocular; 03 medical and health sciences; Nerve Fibers; 0302 clinical medicine; Lens Implantation, Intraocular; Optic Nerve Diseases; Humans; Female; Postoperative Period; Intraocular Pressure; Tomography, Optical Coherence; Aged

To assess the effect of cataract on optical coherence tomography (OCT), signal strength (SS), and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness measurements.Peripapillary RNFL measurements were obtained by Stratus OCT scans using Fast (3.4) acquisition protocol before after extraction in 45 patients with cataract, including 23 glaucoma patients. Cataracts graded according to Lens Opacities Classification System III.The postoperative SS 9.3% (P=0.001) 24.1% (P<0.001) higher than surgery, respectively. There was greater change lower preoperative (r=-0.63, P<0.001) (r=-0.59, P<0.001). Eyes more 6 had no significant difference between precataract postcataract surgery (P=0.14). eyes only (10.9±20.8 μm) those (7.0±14.7 μm; P=0.81).Cataracts may decrease scans. Thinning suggestive glaucomatous progression be result artifact from advancing rather actual structural changes RNFL. Peripapillary should interpreted caution particularly if is attenuated.