Factors Influencing Contrast Sensitivity Function in Eyes with Mild Cataract

This study was aimed to evaluate the relationship between the area under the log contrast sensitivity function (AULCSF) and several optical factors in eyes suffering mild cataract. We enrolled 71 eyes of 71 patients (mean age, 71.4 +/- 10.7 (standard deviation) years) with cataract formation who were under surgical consultation. We determined the area under the log contrast sensitivity function (AULCSF) using a contrast sensitivity unit (VCTS-6500, Vistech). We utilized single and multiple regression analyses to investigate the relevant factors in such eyes. The mean AULSCF was 1.06 +/- 0.16 (0.62 to 1.38). Explanatory variables relevant to the AULCSF were, in order of influence, logMAR best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) (p < 0.001, partial regression coefficient B = -0.372), and log(s) (p = 0.023, B = -0.032) (adjusted R-2 = 0.402). We found no significant association with other variables such as age, gender, uncorrected visual acuity, nuclear sclerosis grade, or ocular HOAs. Eyes with better BSCVA and lower log(s) are more susceptible to show higher AULCSF, even in mild cataract subjects. It is indicated that both visual acuity and intraocular forward scattering play a role in the CS function in such eyes.

Automated summary

The study aimed to evaluate the relationship between area under the log contrast sensitivity function and optical factors in eyes with mild cataract. The results showed that eyes with better best spectacle-corrected visual acuity and lower log(s) were more likely to exhibit higher AULCSF, while age, gender, uncorrected visual acuity, nuclear sclerosis grade, and ocular HOAs did not show significant associations. Both visual acuity and intraocular forward scattering play important roles in contrast sensitivity function in eyes with mild cataract.