Visual Quality Assessment of Posterior Capsule Opacification Using Optical Quality Analysis System (OQAS)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate intraocular scattering in eyes with posterior capsule opacification by means of an objective scatter index (OSI) obtained from double-pass images of optical quality assessment system (OQAS TM II) and to determine the indication for laser capsulotomy when patients report visual disturbances without decreased visual acuity. METHODS: In this prospective, observational, and nonconsecutive case series study, a total of 32 eyes of 29 patients are diagnosed with posterior capsule opacification after age-associated cataract were analyzed. Patient examination included age, the period after cataract surgery, logMAR best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and OSI. RESULTS: We found a significant decrease in the BCVA and increase in the OSI with the development of posterior capsule opacification. The decrease of BCVA was statistically correlated with the increase of OSI (r = 0.812, P < 0.01). In patients who reported visual disturbances without decreased visual acuity, OSI decreased to <1.3 and subjective symptoms were resolved in all cases although there was no significant improvement in visual acuity after laser capsulotomy. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study showed that OSI is also a useful parameter for objectively evaluating posterior capsule opacification. OSI may help predict laser capsulotomy in patients who report visual disturbances without decreased visual acuity.