Contrast sensitivity function after cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation

Divergent contrast sensitivity findings have been reported in patients with intraocular lens implants. The purpose of this study was to determine contrast thresholds of patients with good visual acuity after uncomplicated cataract extraction and posterior chamber conventional IOL implantation. Fifty-two eyes of fifty two patients, who had undergone uncomplicated extracapsular cataract extraction and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation together with 48 eyes of 48 control subjects were tested for contrast sensitivity function. All of the patients had best corrected visual acuity 0.8 (20/25) or better, on the Snellen scale. Patients with concomitant eye disease were excluded. Contrast sensitivity was measured using stationary sine-wave gratings of four spatial frequencies (3.0 to 18.0 cycles/degree), at the testing distance of 8 feet. A loss of contrast sensitivity was found in patients with intraocular lens implants, compared with control subjects of similar age, sex and visual acuity. The loss was statistically significant at intermediate (6 cyc/deg) and high spatial frequencies (12.0 and 18.0 cycles/degree), while it was not statistically significant at low spatial frequencies (3 cyc/deg). This may be the reason of nonspecific visual complaints (‘washed-out images’), despite normal Snellen acuity, after cataract surgery and monofocal IOL implantation.