Retinometer as a postoperative predictor of visual acuity in patients with senile cataract

Objective: To evaluate the estimation of postoperative visual acuity (VA) by a retinometer and its correlation with cataract characteristics in patients undergoing cataract surgery. Material: and Methods: A prospective case series was conducted on a consecutive sample of patients with senile cataract who underwent cataract surgery from September through December 2021. Before surgery, the retinometer estimated postoperative best-corrected VA (BCVA). Estimations were compared to postoperative BCVA 1 month after surgery. Logistic regression evaluated the correlation between estimations and cataract characteristics [cataract grade (color and opacity) and density]. Results: : Among 64 patients (64 eyes) who underwent cataract surgery, 28 (43.8%) had equivalent postoperative BCVA estimations and real values, 36 (56.2%) showed better BCVA than predicted, and none showed lower postoperative BCVA than predicted. Postoperative outcomes were accurately predicted in 55% of mild, 55.6% of moderate, and 11.8% of severe cataract cases. Cataract grade and density were significant predictors of postoperative BCVA (R 0.69, P < 0.0001). Conclusion: Retinometer accuracy varied according to cataract severity. Results support the preoperative use of the retinometer in mild and moderate cataract cases as a useful tool to inform patients of their visual prognosis following surgery.