Contrast Sensitivity and Reaction Time in Cataract Patients: A Comparative Analysis of Pre and Post Cataract Surgery

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to measure and compare pre and post-operative Contrast sensitivity (CS) and Reaction Times (RTs) in cataract patients. CS provides valuable information on visual function, independ- ent of visual acuity (VA). It represents the ability of the eye to detect a slight difference in luminance of two regions without distinct contours. This visual function or ability is affected by various disease conditions of the eye includ- ing cataract. Measurement of visual function can be reliable and useful for detection, screening and evaluation of a variety of diseases such as cataract. In this research work, 14 cataract patients comprised both males and females, between the ages of 50 to 75 years, with no other ocular diseases were used. The research was carried out at Stella Obasanjo Hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, where the patients were also recruited. In each subject, a com- puter based test was used to measure reaction times (RTs) over a wide range of contrast levels two days before and nineteen days after cataract surgery. Mean values of CS for the operated eyes (OE) was 0.84 log unit, and 0.60 log unit for the non-operated (NOE). Mean values of RTs for OE was 3801.32+0.22ms and 3598.37+0.31ms for NOE. Statistical analysis was carried out to examine the significant difference between the pre- and post operative CS/RT The result of the research showed that there was significant difference between CS and RT before and after cataract extraction, with marked improvement in Cs and RTs obtained post-operatively.