The value of preoperative electro-ophthalmological examination before cataract extraction.

In 203 senile cataractous eyes preoperative results of photopic flash ERGs and VERs were compared with the optimum visual acuity after cataract extraction. Because preoperatively for some reason a good function of the retina or the conductive system was questionable, patients were referred to the electro-ophthalmological department. This encompassed approximately 10% of patients with a senile cataract. The relationships found indicated that the photopic flash ERGs and VERs are a good support for estimating post-operative visual function.