Computerized method to measure glare and contrast sensitivity in cataract patients

PURPOSE: To evaluate computerized methods for measuring glare sensitivity and visual acuity at 3 contrast levels in cataract patients. SETTING: St. Erik's Eye Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. METHODS: In a prospective study, 25 consecutive cataract patients meeting the inclusion criteria were examined before and 12 weeks after cataract surgery. Measured were glare sensitivity and visual acuity at 3 contrast levels using the Opthimus Y-VA Contrast Sensitivity Test and Glare Test. RESULTS: Preoperatively, all patients had impaired values compared with those in a group of age-matched normal volunteers (control group). Postoperatively, median values were similar to those in the age-matched control group in all parameters except glare sensitivity, which was significantly higher in the pseudophakic group (P = .03). Correlation coefficients between preoperative visual acuity and contrast sensitivity at 90%, 25%, and 10% were 0.50 (P = .01), 0.53 (P = .006), and 0.45 (P = .02), respectively, and between preoperative visual acuity and preoperative glare difference, 0.45 (P = .02). A significant correlation was found between age and visual acuity in the control group at all contrast levels: 90% (r = 0.61, P = .0018), 25% (r = 0.52, P = .01), and 10% (r = 0.42, P = .04). Median differences between Y-VA examinations (repeatability) were 0 LogMAR except between examinations 1 and 2 at the 25% contrast level, where it was 0.3 LogMAR. CONCLUSION: The Ophthimus Y-VA Test and Glare Test were useful in the preoperative evaluation of patients with cataract and mild to moderate visual impairment.