10-Hz flash visual evoked potentials predict post-cataract extraction visual acuity

Cataract patients suspected of having disease which might interfere with good postoperative visual function were referred for evaluation. Monocular steady-state luminance visual evoked potentials (VEPs) were elicited with closed eyes at a stimulus rate of 10 flashes/sec. VEPs were rated as either normal or abnormal. Patients with normal VEPs were predicted to have an acuity of 6/15 (20/50) or better. Patients with abnormal VEPs were predicted to have acuities of 6/18 (20/60) or worse. Postoperative acuities were determined for all patients who underwent surgery and who had no intraoperative or early postoperative complications. The association of preoperative VEPs and observed postoperative acuities were quantitatively compared by a 2 x 2 contingency table for the 59 eyes which met these criteria. The chi-square was significant (p less than 0.001). The overall accuracy of prediction was 76%. Accuracy was 80% for patients with a preoperative acuity of 6/60 (20/200) or better and 75% for those whose postoperative acuity was 6/120 (20/400) or worse. This difference was not statistically significant.