Ultrasonographic findings in patients examined in cataract detection-and-treatment campaigns: a retrospective study.
BACKGROUND
A cataract is defined as an opacity of any portion of the lens, regardless of visual acuity. In some advanced cases of cataracts, in which good fundus visualization is not possible, an ultrasound examination provides better assessment of the posterior segment of the globe.


OBJECTIVE
This study aims to evaluate the ultrasonographic records of patients with advanced cataracts who were examined during cataract campaigns.


METHODS
The ultrasonographic findings obtained from 215 patients examined in cataract campaigns conducted by the Hospital das Clínicas Department of Ophthalmology of the Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo between the years of 2005 and 2007 were evaluated, and the utility of this exam in changing the treatment procedures was studied.


RESULTS
A total of 289 eyes from 215 patients were examined. Of the eyes examined, 77.5% presented with findings in the vitreous cavity and the posterior pole. A posterior vitreous detachment with no other complications was observed in 47.4% of the eyes. The remaining 30.1% presented with eye diseases that could result in a reduced visual function after surgery. The most frequent eye diseases observed were diffuse vitreous opacity (12.1% of the eyes) and detachment of the retina (9.3% of the eyes).


CONCLUSIONS
In many cases, the ultrasonographic evaluation of the posterior segment revealed significant anomalies that changed the original treatment plan or contra-indicated surgery. At the very least, the evaluation was useful for patient counseling.


CONCLUSIONS
The ultrasonographic examination revealed and differentiated between eyes with cataracts and eyes with ocular abnormalities other than cataracts as the cause of poor vision, thereby indicating the importance of its use during ocular evaluation.
Mendes
Marcio Henrique
MH
Ophthalmology Department, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo/SP, Brazil. marciohmendes@yahoo.com.br
Betinjane
Alberto Jorge
AJ
Cavalcante
Adhele de Sá
Ade S
Cheng
Cheng Te
CT
Kara-José
Newton
N
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001938:Brazil; D002386:Cataract / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D005123:Eye / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005124:Eye Abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012163:Retinal Detachment / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology; D014822:Vitreous Body; D020255:Vitreous Detachment / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D055815:Young Adult