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Comparing clinical tests of visual function in cataract with the patient's perceived visual disability
D B Elliott1, M A Hurst, J Weatherill
1Clinical Vision Research Unit, University of Bradford, W. Yorkshire.
Eye (London, England)
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Contrast sensitivity testing, particularly binocular measurements, better reflects cataract patients' perceived visual disability than visual acuity. This suggests binocular contrast sensitivity is valuable for surgical decision-making.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Optometry
- Vision Science
Background:
- Cataract assessment traditionally relies on visual acuity (VA), contrast sensitivity (CS), and glare disability (GD).
- The correlation between these objective measures and a patient's subjective visual experience is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of conventional visual function tests in assessing cataract patients' perceived visual disability.
- To determine if binocular or monocular measurements of VA, CS, and GD correlate better with subjective visual impairment.
Main Methods:
- 33 cataract patients underwent monocular and binocular VA (LogMAR chart), CS (Pelli-Robson chart), and monocular GD (Mentor Brightness Acuity Tester) testing.
- Patient-reported visual disability was quantified using a 20-point questionnaire focusing on daily activities.
Main Results:
- Little correlation was found between subjective visual disability and monocular or binocular VA measurements.
- Binocular CS measurements showed a strong correlation with perceived visual disability, especially concerning mobility and orientation.
- Monocular GD measurements also showed some correlation, but less than binocular CS.
Conclusions:
- Binocular contrast sensitivity testing, using the Pelli-Robson chart, offers valuable insights into a cataract patient's functional vision.
- This method provides additional information beyond traditional VA, aiding in the decision-making process for cataract surgery.