[Variability of electrophysiological readings in mature cataracts].
OBJECTIVE
To find out whether the opacity of the lens in well-developed cataracts might be so dense as to influence the electrophysiological readings in any way, modifying these to such an extent that they might become pathological.


METHODS
A prospective study was carried out on 24 eyes from 21 patients with advanced cataracts (visual acuity from light perception and counting fingers making it impossible to see the retina). During the study, the eyes were subjected to an electrophysiological exploration: electroretinogram (ERG) and visual evoked potentials (VEP), both before and after surgery, analysing the possible changes in the recordings attribuitable to the opacity of the lens.


RESULTS
No significant differences were observed in the electrophysiological readings before surgery with respect to postoperative readings, either in terms of latencies or in the amplitude of readings, in either the ERG or in the VEP in all the explored eyes. Although an increase in the amplitude and a slight wave reduction in latencies were indeed observed in the ERG following surgery, these values were not significant.


CONCLUSIONS
The opacity of the lens itself does not significantly change the values of the electrophysiological readings, so that electrophysiological exploration in well-developed cataracts is considered to be most accurate test for predicting visual function in these patients.
Pérez-Salvador García
E
E
Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Madrid, España.
Pérez Salvador
J L
JL
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002386:Cataract / Q000503:physiopathology*; D018450:Disease Progression; D004594:Electrophysiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies