Image features of lens opacity in pediatric cataracts using ultrasound biomicroscopy

Purpose To study lens opacity in pediatric cataract images captured using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM). Methods The medical records of patients operated on from September 2012 to October 2013 were reviewed retrospectively. Prior to surgery, patients were placed in the supine position under sedation with oral chloral hydrate for UBM imaging. Lens morphology was evaluated by UBM examination with a 50 MHz probe that was equipped with a water bag instead of the standard plastic shell. UBM images were compared to images captured from intraoperative videos. Results UBM examination was performed in 50 patients (including 10 infants) aged 2 months to 6 years. The UBM ecographic images showed features specific to pediatric cataract lenses. These features were used to define 2 types of anterior capsule of the lens, 4 types of cortex and nucleus of the lens, 3 types of posterior capsule of the lens, and membranous cataracts. Conclusions Capsule morphology and the cortex density of pediatric cataracts could be evaluated before surgery using UBM imaging. Adoption of this technique could provide useful preoperative information to surgeons.