[Evaluation of mechanical and ultrasonic characteristics of the lens nucleus]

Acoustic examinations of the lens were carried out in patients with cataracts of different degree of maturing and mechanical solidity of the nucleus was measured after surgery. An original method of ultrasonic examination with Humphrey's A/B scanning system was used. Ultrasonic density was 10-15% increased in more mature forms of cataract, which was confirmed by postoperative measurements of the nucleus solidity by means of 2034 TMR microhardness meter (the solidity was increased by 15-20 mN). Correlation between the findings of ultrasonic scanning and mechanical solidity was direct and strong (p < 0.05). Therefore, the proposed ultrasonic method can be used in cataract surgery for evaluating the solidity of the lens nucleus before surgery.