Detecting cataract causing visual impairment using a nonmydriatic fundus camera.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the validity of a digital nonmydriatic fundus camera in detecting cataract as a cause of visual impairment.


METHODS
Diagnostic test comparison.


METHODS
Photos of the anterior segment of 72 eyes were taken with a nonmydriatic fundus camera and assessed for cataract by two graders. Dilated biomicroscopy examination of the anterior segment of the same 72 eyes was then performed and cataract graded using the Wilmer scale.


RESULTS
Grader 1 and 2 reported 90% and 94% sensitivity and 82% and 77% specificity, respectively, when the digital photos were compared with slit-lamp biomicroscopy in determining visually significant cataract. In addition, both graders showed similar substantial agreement between the digital photos and slit-lamp biomicroscopy when assessed for cataract (unweighted kappa 0.87 and 0.92, respectively, for graders 1 and 2).


CONCLUSIONS
The nonmydriatic fundus camera may be an alternative method for screening for visually significant cataract in the community.
Ferraro
John G
JG
Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne and Vision Cooperative Research Centre, Melbourne, Australia. ferraroj@unimelb.edu.au
Pollard
Tamara
T
Muller
Andreas
A
Lamoureux
Ecosse L
EL
Taylor
Hugh R
HR
D002386:Cataract / Q000145:classification / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003941:Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological; D005654:Fundus Oculi; D006801:Humans; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000473:pathology*; D010781:Photography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology