Ultrasonographic assessment of vitreoretinal pathologies in white mature cataract

: To evaluate the incidence of significant posterior segment abnormalities in eyes with white mature cataract and to assess association of vitreoretinal pathologies with different ocular and systemic disorders. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 patients with white mature cataract presenting for cataract surgery. Detailed relevant history was noted. Complete ocular examination done and B-scan performed. Percentage of patients with abnormal B-scan findings in various groups were calculated and association of systemic/ ocular factors with vitreoretinal pathologies were evaluated using paired chi square test. : Mean age of patients was 60.78±9.001 years with a female preponderance (58%). 92% cases had senile mature cataract, 3% were presenile, 3% were traumatic and 2% were complicated mature cataract. Most common pathological finding on B-scan was vitreous opacity seen in 16% cases, followed by posterior vitreous detachment seen in 6%. Vitreous hemorrhage was seen in 3% cases while 69% cases showed normal posterior segment. Patients were grouped into two categories- one comprised patients with relevant systemic and/ or ocular history (47%), while other category belonged to patients with no such history (53%). On comparing the number of patients with abnormal B-scan findings in the two categories, no statistical significance was noted. (p value=0.105). B-scan ultrasonography is an important presurgical investigation in patients with dense cataracts for diagnosing posterior segment pathologies that may influence post operative visual outcome.