Abstract
Purpose:
To compare the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), daytime contrast acuity (DCA), and evening contrast acuity (ECA) in eyes with cortical (COR), nuclear (NUC), posterior subcapsular cataracts (PSC), retrodots (RD) and water clefts (WC) with those in eyes with transparent lenses.
Methods:
The 523 eyes of 430 subjects (177 males, 253 females, age 69.5±8.2 yrs) who were examined for cataract surgery in Kanazawa Medical University hospital or participated in Monzen Eye Study from 2006 to 2011, were enrolled in this study. COR, NUC and PSC were graded according to WHO classification system. COR was categorized CEN+/- by opacity within/outside the central 3 mm diameter area of the pupil. WC was similarly categorized WC (CEN+/-). RD was classified into four grades by quantity and area of RD in the 3 mm diameter area: grade 1, less than 5 RD; grade 2, less than 25% of the area; grade3, less than 50%; and grade 4, 50% or more. The number of eyes by cataract type was: 46, COR (CEN-); 155, COR (CEN+); 32, NUC; 13, PSC; 84, RD; 43, WC (CEN+); 22, WC (CEN-); and 128 transparent. Opacities were judged by one observer. Contrast vision was measured using CAT2000 (NEITZ) for 25% DCA and ECA.
Results:
BCVA was significantly worse in eyes with COR (CEN+), NUC grade 1 and over, PSC, RD grade 2 and over, and WC (CEN+) than in those with transparent lenses age 60s (ANOVA p<0.05). DCA and ECA were significantly worse in eyes with NUC grade 1 and over, COR (CEN+), PSC grade 2 and over, RD 4 (for DCA), RD 3 and over (for ECA) and WC (CEN+) than in those with transparent lenses age 60s (ANOVA p<0.05).
Conclusions:
There is a relationship between severity, type of lens opacity, and BCA, DCA and ECA. This information is very useful to inform indication of cataract surgery.