To investigate the clinical significance of the internal lens signal measured using dual Scheimpflug anterior segment analyzer (Galilei™, Ziemer, Switzerland) in patients receiving cataract surgery.

The present study included 151 eyes of 148 patients who received surgery for senile cataracts from February 2012 to January 2013. Preoperative internal lens signals were measured preoperatively. The depth of anterior chamber and anterior angles were measured using dual Scheimpflug anterior segment analyzer preoperatively and 1 month postoperatively. Preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuities (BCVAs) were measured. The relationships between preoperative internal lens signal and the changes in BCVA or anterior angles were evaluated.

Internal lens signal and preoperative BCVA (log MAR) or preoperative anterior chamber depth were highly correlated (r = 0.287, p = 0.001 and r = -0.271, p = 0.004, respectively). Anterior angles increased 1 month after surgery compared with the preoperative values ( p < 0.001). The amount of change between preoperative and postoperative anterior angles correlated with preoperative anterior angles ( p < 0.001). However, no statistically significant correlation was observed between internal lens signal and preoperative anterior angles or postoperative BCVA. Internal lens signal correlated with changes in postoperative anterior angles ( p < 0.001).

Internal lens signal correlated with preoperative visual acuity and may help evaluate the cataract severity quantitatively and objectively. Internal lens signal may aid in understanding the structure of anterior segments by predicting the lens volume. Knowing the effect of visual impairment due to cataracts and predicting visual improvement after cataract surgery is necessary.