Evaluation of macular function by Lotmar's visometer test and blue-field entoptic test in patients with cataract

The authors attempted to predict postoperative visual acuity in patients undergoing cataract extraction by comparing the results obtained using two subjective methods: Lotmar's visometer test and the blue-field entoptic (BFE) test. Both tests allow assessment of retinal visual acuity in the presence of opacities of the ocular media. Measurements were made on 60 patients before cataract extraction. These subjects were followed for three months in order to assess their postoperative visual acuity and to ascertain the reliability of the tests. Analysis of the data demonstrates the high level of reliability of both methods. Lotmar's visometer test gives a more exact assessment of macular function. However, in the presence of total lens opacity, the BFE test becomes necessary since Lotmar's test loses reliability in such cases.