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Comparison of the quantitative contrast sensitivity function between early keratoconus and normal eyes
Yiyong Xian1,2,3,4, Yuhao Ye1,2,3,4, Ling Sun1,2,3,4
1Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China.
BMC Ophthalmology
|October 18, 2024
Summary
Contrast sensitivity is significantly reduced in early keratoconus (Early-KC) even with normal vision, indicating quantitative contrast sensitivity function (qCSF) tests are sensitive for detecting visual performance changes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Vision Science
- Corneal Diseases
Background:
- Keratoconus (KC) is a progressive corneal ectasia affecting visual quality.
- Early detection of KC is crucial for timely intervention and management.
- Assessing visual function beyond standard acuity measures is important in early-stage disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare quantitative contrast sensitivity function (qCSF) characteristics between early keratoconus (Early-KC) and normal control (NC) eyes.
- To identify factors associated with visual performance changes in Early-KC.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 43 Early-KC eyes (including subclinical KC and forme fruste KC) and 77 NC eyes.
- All participants had corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) of 20/20 or better.
- Contrast sensitivity (CS) was measured using qCSF tests, with subgroup analyses based on KC type and astigmatism.
Main Results:
- Early-KC eyes showed significantly reduced area under log CSF (AULCSF), CSF Acuity, and CS at low and high spatial frequencies compared to NC eyes.
- Subgroup analysis confirmed decreased CS in subclinical KC and in Early-KC eyes with cylindrical refraction ≤-1.0D.
- Corneal asymmetry indices (vertical asymmetry and height decentration) negatively correlated with CS at 1.5 cpd.
Conclusions:
- Contrast sensitivity is significantly impaired at both low and high spatial frequencies in Early-KC, despite normal CDVA.
- The qCSF test demonstrates high sensitivity in detecting subtle visual performance deficits in early keratoconus.
- qCSF testing can aid in the early diagnosis and monitoring of keratoconus.
