[Effect of YAG capsulotomy of secondary cataracts on visual functions]

1. 20 patients (20 eyes) with secondary cataract and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/30 or 20/20 using Snellen charts were examined before Nd-YAG capsulotomy and 14 days postoperatively. 2. Contrast sensitivity (CS) was tested on a computerized system of the Contrast sensitivity 8010 type and on VCTS charts in 6 spatial frequencies, BCVA was measured on the logMAR charts with Landolt rings and influence of glare of 342.6 cd/m2 was tested using Brightness Acuity Tester (BAT). 3. BCVA (without and under glare) in patients before and after YAG capsulotomy was significantly lower compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Postoperative improvement of BCVA was markedly higher on logMAR charts (up to 6.6 standardized lines) than using Snellen charts (1 line). 4. CS (without and under glare) using both methods in patients before and after YAG capsulotomy was significantly lower compared to the control group (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001) in spite of significant improvement postoperatively (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001), first of all at intermediate and high spatial frequencies. 5. Glare had only nonsignificant influence on BCVA and CS in all groups.