Predicting cataract surgery results using a macular function test.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the predictive value of a macular function test in the preoperative evaluation of cataract patients.


METHODS
Clinique Generale St-Jean, Brussels, Belgium.


METHODS
This prospective study comprised 396 uneventful consecutive cataract procedures performed by 1 surgeon from September 2000 to February 2001. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and the density and location of the lens opacities were recorded preoperatively. Macular function was assessed preoperatively using a Parinaud test at 12 cm with a hyperaddition of +8.0 diopters and extra illumination. The postoperative BCVA was compared with the results of the macular function test.


RESULTS
Of the 359 eyes (90.7%) that could read the Parinaud 1 line on the preoperative hyperaddition test, 338 (94.2%) attained a final BCVA of 20/25 or better and 356 (99.2%), of 20/30 or better. Twenty-five eyes that could not read Parinaud 1 and presented with a dense nuclear or posterior subcapsular cataract also achieved a BCVA of 20/25 or better. Three eyes could read Parinaud 1 preoperatively but did not attain a BCVA of 20/30 or better postoperatively; 2 of the eyes had macular edema and 1, an opaque posterior capsule.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study suggest that this simple macular function test has a positive predictive value of 94.2% in predicting a visual outcome of 20/25 or better after cataract surgery. The sensitivity was 94.2% and the specificity, 32.4%. The negative predictive value was 32.4% and the positive predictive value for a BCVA of 20/30 or better, 99.2%.
Vryghem
Jérôme C
JC
Clinique Générale St-Jean, Brussels, Belgium.
Van Cleynenbreugel
Hugo
H
Van Calster
Joachim
J
Leroux
Kathleen
K
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D018918:Phacoemulsification; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014787:Vision Tests / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology*