title: Comparative analysis of the nuclear lens opalescence by the Lens Opacities Classification System III with nuclear density values provided by Oculus Pentacam: a cross-section study using Pentacam Nucleus Staging software.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the clinical classification of cataract using the Lens Opacities Classification System (LOCS) III with the mean values of lens density provided by the Pentacam Scheimpflug System in nuclear cataracts.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred and one eyes from 101 patients with age-related nuclear cataract were submitted to clinical examination for lens grading score using LOCS III. According to LOCS III, nuclear opalescence was divided in six groups. Patients were evaluated by the Pentacam Scheimpflug System for the mean lens density using the Pentacam lens densitometry program (PLDP), the Pentacam Nucleus Staging (PNS) mean value and the PNS cataract grading score.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A positive correlation between the mean values of lens density and LOCS III classification, considering groups 1 to 5, could be noticed with PLDP and PNS mean value. The mean values between the groups were similar using the PLDP and the PNS mean value. However, when the PNS cataract grading score was evaluated, there was low correspondence with LOCS III classification.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Pentacam Scheimpflug device offers an objective measure of the lens nuclear density on nuclear cataracts. PLDP and the PNS mean value were both useful to evaluate age-related nuclear cataract up to LOCS III group 5.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, SP, Brazil. fernandapedreiramagalhaes@yahoo.com.br
authors.forename: Fernanda Pedreira
authors.initials: FP
authors.lastname: Magalhães
authors.forename: Elaine Fiod
authors.initials: EF
authors.lastname: Costa
authors.forename: Angelino Júlio
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Cariello
authors.forename: Eduardo Buchele
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Rodrigues
authors.forename: Ana Luisa
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Hofling-Lima
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002386:Cataract / Q000145:classification* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003720:Densitometry / Q000295:instrumentation*; D003941:Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological / Q000295:instrumentation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007907:Lens Nucleus, Crystalline / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012984:Software; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric