Exploring the sensitivity and specificity of various macular function tests in mature cataracts and comparison to B Scan Ultrasonography at a tertiary care eye hospital in India

•        Age-related cataracts are the leading cause of disease-related visual impairment globally, accounting for 94 million adults aged ≥50 years who experienced low vision or blindness in 2020.

•         Although  cataract is easily treatable, a significant number of patients with a visually significant cataract (that is, a cataract with severe visual loss) remain undiagnosed in communities, especially in rural areas, due to the limited availability of, or accessibility to, cataract screening.

•        Prevalence of mature cataracts is 11.4% in India.

•        In our hospital incidence of mature cataracts is 12.54% (from March-May 2024)

•        The diagnosis and treatment outcome measurement in cases of mature cataracts  is challenging.

•        Macular function tests  are required for the evaluation of the macular function with opaque media in conditions including dense cataract and vitreous hemorrhage.

•        Conventional macular function tests were altered when there was an evident posterior segment abnormality seen on B Scan. So, in setup where B Scan ultrasonography is not available, the conventional macular function tests do help in cases of mature cataracts.

OCULAR EXAMINATION: (pre operative )

1.Visual acuity( PL, PR In all 4 quadrants )

2.Slit lamp evaluation

3.Non contact tonometry

4.Dilated fundus examination

5.Following macular function tests were performed in dark room: Colour vision

Maddox rod test 1 and 2

Two point discrimination test

Entoptic phenomenon

B Scan ultrasonography

Post operative parameters (day 1):

•        1.post operative visual acuity

•        2.Dilated fundus examination

•        3. OCT scan

Data is collected and sensitivity and specificity values of each macular function test is correlated with B Scan results and postoperative retina changes ,OCT scan and visual outcome.