Correlation of lens density measured using the Pentacam Scheimpflug system with the Lens Opacities Classification System III grading score and visual acuity in age-related nuclear cataract

Aims: To investigate the relationship between lens density measured with the Pentacam Scheimpflug System and grading score using the Lens Opacities Classification System (LOCS) III as well as that between lens density and visual acuity in age-related nuclear cataract patients. Methods: Lens density and grading score were evaluated in 138 cases (180 eyes) with age-related nuclear cataract. LogMAR visual acuity was tested with the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study chart. The correlations between lens density value and LOCS III nuclear opacity (NO) and nuclear colour (NC) grading score and that between lens density value and logMAR visual acuity were analysed. Results: There was a linear increasing relationship between lens density value and LOCS III grading score in nuclear cataract patients. Lens density value had a stronger significant correlation with LOCS III NO score than that with NC score. The correlation between the nuclear lens density value and logMAR visual acuity was stronger than that between NO score and logMAR visual acuity or between NC score and logMAR visual acuity. Conclusion: Lens density as a quantitative and objective parameter can present the degree of NO and associated visual impairment due to nuclear cataract. The LOCS III criterion as an economic cataract grading system provides data that are in satisfactory concordance with the results obtained using the Pentacam Scheimpflug system.