[Measuring lens opacity with the Opacity Lensmeter 701].

The Opacity Lensmeter 701 is a new instrument to quantify the opacity of the lens. The stray light scattered on the lens is measured and the amount depends on the density of the cataract. In 85 patients who underwent cataract surgery, both visual acuity and lens opacity were measured before surgery. After implantation of a lens, the visual acuity was tested again. There was a significant correlation between the opacity values and a cortical cataract. The correlation was lower (p = 0.0696) for eyes with nuclear cataracts. No correlation was found between a posterior subcapsular cataract and the opacity values measured.