【Objective】 To investigate the role and effectiveness of a new generation Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) examination before cataract surgery. 【Methods】 A total of 454 cases of cataract patients who went through phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation surgery in our hospital form June 2009 to June 2010 were chosen randomly. In experimental group

we examined all patients through the Heidelberg Spectralis HRA-OCT

using standard fast mode

obtained OCT images to diagnose retina diseases. In control group

we took color fundus photographs through KOWA fundus camera to determine retina diseases. Two sets of data were compared. Two methods of detection rate of retinal diseases were analyzed. 【Results】 In experimental group

a total of 312 cases successfully obtained OCT images

accounting for 67.8% of the total. Of all the preoperative cataract patients

37 patients presented with different types of retinal diseases

the detection rate was 8.15%

including 6 cases of macular holes

8 cases of diabetic retinopathy

4 cases of pre-retinal membrane of the macula and high myopic retinopathy respectively

3 cases of macular vitreous traction syndrome

2 cases of age-related macular degeneration

pigmentary degeneration of the retina

cystoid macular edema respectively

and old central serous chorioretinopathy

retinal pigment epithelial detachment

crystal-like retinopathy

scar proliferation under the macular

retinoschisis and retinal hemorrhage in 1 single case. In control group

there were 12 positive cases observed through fundus color photos

the detection rate was 2.64%

including 8 cases of diabetic retinopathy

2 cases of pigmentary degeneration of the retina and 1 case of crystal-like retinopathy

1 case of retinal hemorrhage. Two methods of detection rate of retinal diseases were statistically different(× = 13.842

P < 0.05). 【Conclusions】 Compared to the traditional ophthalmic imaging examinations

SDOCT can greatly elevate the detection rate of retinal diseases in pre-cataract patients which are so important in the comprehensive prognosis evaluations.