Estimation of anterior nucleus of lens by Scheimpflug image before and after pupil dilatation

Purpose: To compare the accuracy of lens transparency evaluations by Scheim pflug image in the anterior nucleus of the lens before and after pupil dila tation. Methods: Scheimpflug lens images were recorded in 70 eyes of 38 subjects (a ge: 25-75 years) before and after pupil dilatation, and light scattering in tensity measurements before and after dilatation were compared. Results: There was a significant positive correlation between the light sca ttering intensity before and after dilatation at the anterior cortex, anter ior nucleus, and central clear zone of the lens (r > 0.9, P <.0001). Conclusions: It is possible to estimate the transparency in the anterior nu cleus of the lens from the Scheimpflug image without pupil dilatation. If n uclear type cataracts are regarded as a structural marker of aging in epide miological studies. measuring the light scattering intensity in the anterio r nucleus of the lens without dilatation seems to be a safe, useful, and qu antitative method. (C) 2000 Japanese Ophthalmological Society.