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Published on: August 14, 2013
The effect of laser in situ keratomileusis on low contrast vision
Joseph Anthony J Tumbocon1, Palanisamy Suresh, Allan Slomovic
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Toronto-Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Purpose:
To determine the effects of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) on low contrast visual acuity.
Methods:
Thirty eyes of 15 LASIK patients with myopia and astigmatism were evaluated preoperatively, and 1 and 3 months postoperatively. High contrast visual acuity (HCVA), low contrast visual acuity (LCVA), and contrast threshold were determined.
Results:
Mean spherical correction (SE) was -3.24 +/- 1.90 D; 16 eyes had a mean SE between -1.00 and -3.00 D, and 14 eyes were between -3.25 and -6.50 D. There was no significant change in HCVA observed at 1 and 3 months in any eye. There was a decrease in LCVA in eyes with a correction >3 D SE at 1 month (P=.04), which returned to normal at 3 months (P=.13). There was an increase in the contrast threshold at 1 month (P=.016). When eyes were divided into groups, those with >3D SE correction had an increase in contrast threshold at 1 month (P=.002); no change was seen in eyes with <3D SE correction (P=.15). At 3 months, contrast threshold was similar to baseline values in all eyes (P=.226).
Conclusion:
LASIK transiently decreased low contrast visual function in patients with greater than 3.00 D of myopic correction.
