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PubMed2003

Postural stability changes in the elderly with cataract simulation and refractive blur.

PURPOSE: To determine the influence of cataractous and refractive blur on postural stability and limb-load asymmetry (LLA) and to establish how postural stability changes with the spatial frequency and contrast of the visual stimulus. METHODS: Thirteen elderly subjects (mean age, 70.76 +/- 4.14 [SD] years) with no history of falls and normal vision were recruited. Postural stability was determined as the root mean square [RMS] of the center of pressure (COP) signal in the anterior-posterior (A-P) and medial-lateral directions and LLA was determined as the ratio of the average body weight placed on the more-loaded limb to the less-loaded limb, recorded during a 30-second period. Data were collected under normal standing conditions and with somatosensory system input disrupted. Measurements were repeated with four visual targets with high (8 cyc/deg) or low (2 cyc/deg) spatial frequency and high (Weber contrast, approximately 95%) or low (Weber contrast, approximately 25%) contrast. Postural stability was measured under conditions of binocular refractive blur of 0, 1, 2, 4, and 8 D and with cataract simulation. The data were analyzed in a population-averaged linear model. RESULTS: The cataract simulation caused significant increases in postural instability equivalent to that caused by 8-D blur conditions, and its effect was greater when the input from the somatosensory system was disrupted. High spatial frequency targets increased postural instability. Refractive blur, cataract simulation, or eye closure had no effect on LLA. CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate that cataractous and refractive blur increase postural instability, and show why the elderly, many of whom have poor vision along with musculoskeletal and central nervous system degeneration, are at greater risk of falling. Findings also highlight that changes in contrast sensitivity rather than resolution changes are responsible for increasing postural instability. Providing low spatial frequency information in certain environments may be useful in maintaining postural stability. Correcting visual impairment caused by uncorrected refractive error and cataracts could be a useful intervention strategy to help prevent falls and fall-related injuries in the elderly.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

Aberrant lens fiber differentiation in anterior subcapsular cataract formation: a process dependent on reduced levels of Pax6.

PURPOSE: TGFbeta can induce development in lenses of opaque subcapsular fibrotic plaques that have many features of human subcapsular cataracts. To understand further the events associated with the onset and progression of TGFbeta-induced cataract, several different models for anterior subcapsular cataract (ASC) were used and characterized. METHODS: Anterior subcapsular plaques were induced in rat lenses cultured with TGFbeta and in transgenic mice overexpressing TGFbeta in the lens. ASC was also examined in lenses of mice haploinsufficient for Pax6, as well as in human biopsy specimens. Immunofluorescence and in situ hybridization labeling were used to examine changes in patterns of gene expression associated with cataract formation in these models. RESULTS: Examination of TGFbeta-induced cataract in transgenic mice established that the subcapsular plaques are composed of a heterogenous cell population: a population of myofibroblastic cells as well as a population of lens-fiber-like cells. Further support for phenotypic change comes from the observation that the cells in these plaques no longer expressed lens epithelial markers, such as Pax6 and Connexin43. Subsequent examination of human biopsy specimens of ASC, as well as lenses from Pax6-deficient mice, showed that the anterior subcapsular plaques in both cases were also composed of a heterogenous population of cells. In contrast, anterior subcapsular plaques that developed in vitro in response to TGFbeta did not have this same cellular heterogeneity, as no fiber-like cells were present. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that in vivo, during TGFbeta-induced cataract formation, some lens epithelial cells transform into myofibroblastic cells, whereas others differentiate into fiber cells. As this pathologic change is accompanied by altered expression of genes characteristic of the normal lens epithelial cell phenotype and as lenses from Pax6-deficient mice exhibit development of anterior subcapsular plaques closely resembling those induced by TGFbeta in transgenic mice, the authors propose that a reduction in Pax6 levels may be essential for this pathologic process to progress. Furthermore, it is clear from these in vitro studies that TGFbeta alone cannot reproduce the same morphologic and molecular changes associated with ASC formation in vivo, indicating that additional molecule(s) in the eye are important in this process.

Actins↗
PubMed2005

Curcumin and turmeric delay streptozotocin-induced diabetic cataract in rats.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of curcumin and its source, turmeric, on streptozotocin-induced diabetic cataract in rats. METHODS: Wistar-NIN rats were selected and diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (35 mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneally) and divided into four groups (group II-V). The control (group I) rats received only vehicle. Group I and II animals received an unsupplemented AIN-93 diet, and those in groups III, IV, and V received 0.002% and 0.01% curcumin and 0.5% turmeric, respectively, in an AIN-93 diet for a period of 8 weeks. Cataract progression due to hyperglycemia was monitored by slit lamp biomicroscope and classified into four stages. At the end of 8 weeks, the animals were killed and the biochemical pathways involved in the pathogenesis of cataract such as oxidative stress, polyol pathway, alterations in protein content and crystallin profile in the lens were investigated, to understand the possible mechanism of action of curcumin and turmeric. Blood glucose and insulin levels were also determined. RESULTS: Although, both curcumin and turmeric did not prevent streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemia, as assessed by blood glucose and insulin levels, slit lamp microscope observations indicated that these supplements delayed the progression and maturation of cataract. The present studies suggest that curcumin and turmeric treatment appear to have countered the hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress, because there was a reversal of changes with respect to lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione, protein carbonyl content and activities of antioxidant enzymes in a significant manner. Also, treatment with turmeric or curcumin appears to have minimized osmotic stress, as assessed by polyol pathway enzymes. Most important, aggregation and insolubilization of lens proteins due to hyperglycemia was prevented by turmeric and curcumin. Turmeric was more effective than its corresponding levels of curcumin. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that turmeric and curcumin are effective against the development of diabetic cataract in rats. Further, these results imply that ingredients in the study's dietary sources, such as turmeric, may be explored for anticataractogenic agents that prevent or delay the development of cataract.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Accumulation of DNA, nuclear and mitochondrial debris, and ROS at sites of age-related cortical cataract in mice.

PURPOSE: Lenses from young and old mice were analyzed by laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) with vital dyes, to determine whether age-related subcapsular and cortical cataracts were linked to the failure of lens fiber cells to degrade nuclei, DNA, and mitochondria properly and whether they result in the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) at the same sites. RESULTS: As opposed to the clear DNA-free subcapsular and cortical areas of young adult mouse lenses, these areas in cataractous old mouse lenses were found to contain accumulations of nuclei, nuclear fragments, aggregated mitochondria, and amorphous DNA as cortical inclusions (P < 0.001 between young and old lenses). These inclusions correlated spatially with age-related cataracts and with the presence of ROS. The source of such undegraded material was a large expansion of transition nuclei in the bow region and also direct involution of surface lens epithelial cells (LECs) into the underlying cortex, frequently leaving bare patches devoid of nuclei on the surface of the anterior epithelium. METHODS: Live lenses were stained vitally for DNA with Hoechst 33342. ROS and mitochondria were stained and quantified with dihydrorhodamine 123 (DHR). In fixed lenses, DNA was stained with propidium iodide (PI) or 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole, dihydrochloride (DAPI). The intensity and position of each probe's fluorescence was determined by LSCM. Cataract localization was ascertained by digitalized microscopy of reflected light. CONCLUSIONS: In aged mice, most subcapsular and cortical cataracts colocalize with accumulations of nuclei, mitochondria, and DNA, These effects are accompanied at the same sites by the production of ROS. The condition is due to the failure of lens fiber cells in the bow region to differentiate properly into the clear fiber state and to the improper involution of cells from the anterior epithelium directly into the underlying cortex, resulting in cataractous opacities.

Aging↗
PubMed1997

Lens lipid peroxides and glutathione concentrations in diabetic cataract.

This study aims to explore the role of reactive oxygen radicals in the genesis of diabetic cataract. Lipid peroxide (LPO) concentrations in senile (n = 30) and diabetic (n = 14) cataractous lenses, were determined as thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) by a method modified from Satoh and Yagi, and reduced glutathione (GSH) concentrations were measured according to Beutler. Lens LPO levels (mean, SD; nmol TBARS/g protein) were significantly higher in diabetics (107.54, 18.12) than senile cataractous subjects (53.54, 15.48) (P < 0.0001). Lens GSH levels (mean, SD; nmol/g protein) showed no significant difference between diabetics (4.29, 2.05) and senile cataractous subjects (4.68, 3.12). These results suggest that free radical damage is more effective in the genesis of diabetic cataract than in senile cataract.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Can improved diet contribute to the prevention of cataract?

British adults who were disabled by defective vision were estimated to number 1.668 million in 1988. Cataract is a most important cause of disability and blindness. Cataract develops earlier in life in populations with low income and inferior education. Cataract was shown to be associated with riboflavin deficiency in animals in the 1930s and subsequently with deficiencies of amino acids, vitamins and some minerals. In Britain and the U.S.A. there is a substantial spread in the intake of these micronutrients, the antioxidants and B vitamins, which have been shown to have low intakes in patients at higher risk of cataract. But there is little reliable information on the comparative importance of different micronutrients in Britain and longitudinal surveys relating diet to progression of cataract are recommended, which should also include non-nutrient risk factors for cataract such as smoking, medication and industrial chemicals.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Pseudoexfoliation syndrome and its antioxidative protection deficiency as risk factors for age-related cataract.

PURPOSE: Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PES) seems to be a systemic condition. However, to an ophthalmologist it represents a continual challenge, due to unclear etiology and patho-genesis, and because of a potential for development of an aggressive glaucoma, and cataract surgery complications. According to some findings, PES could be a factor of hastened aging, which means that it could be considered as a secondary aging factor. METHODS: Frequencies of secondary aging diseases (non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, atherosclerotic myocardiopathy, chronic obstructive lung diseases, arterial hypertension, and PES) were investigated in 162 patients with age-related cataract and 55 age- and sex-matched control subjects, and analyzed by a logistic regression. The authors also determined elements of antioxidative protection in a group of sera from patients with cataract and PES, and compared them to those obtained from patients with cataract without PES (activity of catalase and peroxidase, glutathione, vitamins C and E), and total antioxidative protection (%iMDA). Antioxidant defense of aqueous humors, expressed as a rate of induced malondialdehyde (%iMDA), and total thiol groups in the lens corticonuclear blocks (TSH) were estimated in samples of 17 patients with PES and cataract and 55 patients with cataract only. RESULTS: Logistic regression showed the highest odds ratio for PES (OR=4.516; p<0.05). Catalytic activity of serum catalase had significantly lower values in patients with PES (p<0.05). Anti oxidative defense of aqueous humor and lens had lower values in patients with PES. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that PES might be a significant factor for cataractogenesis. At least a part of pathogenesis alterations in an eye with PES could be the result of higher intensity of oxidative stress.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Eyelid malpositions after cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: To estimate the incidence and the factors that may play a role in the etiology of eyelid malpositions after cataract extraction. METHODS: We followed up 124 patients for six months after cataract extraction. Palpebral aperture, levator function, height of the upper lid crease, lower eyelid laxity and position of the punctums were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively. Post-cataract ptosis was defined as a 2 mm or greater drop in the lid margin after correcting for any change in the fellow eye. RESULTS: None of the patients developed ectropion or entropion, but five (4%) developed punctal ectropion after surgery. The incidence of post-cataract ptosis was 7.3% at six months. Age, sex, preoperative measurements of levator function, lid crease and dermatochalasis were not predictive for the development of ptosis at six months. However, there was a significant difference in the preoperative palpebral fissure width between the patients with ptosis and those without (p<0.05). There was a positive correlation between the mean volume of local anesthetic and the degree of ptosis on the first postoperative day (p<0.05, r: 0.1873). The presence and amount of ptosis on the first postoperative day was the best predictor of post-cataract ptosis at six months (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Several factors are involved in the development of post-cataract ptosis. Temporary ptosis may be related to the myotoxicity of the local anesthetic. The presence of ptosis on the first postoperative day is the best predictor for the development of ptosis at six months.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

The combination of intravitreal triamcinolone and phacoemulsification surgery in patients with diabeticfoveal oedema and cataract.

BACKGROUND: The management of diabetic patients with refractory macular oedema or patients with no adequate pre-operative view to administer laser treatment provide a challenge to the ophthalmologist. We wished to assess the use, safety and effect of intravitreal triamcinolone injection at the time of cataract surgery in patients with diabetic foveal oedema and sight limiting lens opacities. METHOD: This was a longitudinal non-randomised prospective pilot study in 18 eyes (12 patients). All patients had visually significant lens opacities and either persistent diabetic foveal oedema unresponsive to laser treatment-group A, or foveal oedema with no adequate pre-operative view for laser treatment- group B. The cataract surgery was carried out under full aseptic technique using a self-sealing temporal incision and a foldable acrylic lens. Intravitreal triamcinolone was given infratemporally pars plana at the completion of the cataract surgery. The patients were reviewed at day 5, 2 weeks, 2 months and then every 3 months as required. The Wilcoxin matched-pairs test was used to assess the significance of the improvement in visual acuity at 2 months. RESULTS: Twelve patients with a total of 18 eyes were included in the study. There were 10 patients (15 eyes) in group A and 3 patients (3 eyes) in group B. Preoperatively 16 of the 18 eyes had a visual acuity of 6/24 or worse. Postoperatively 83% of patients had completely dry foveae at 2 weeks. Best-corrected visual acuities at two months review ranged from 6/6 to CF with 9 eyes (50%) achieving 6/12 or better (7 eyes (47%) in group A and 2 eyes (67%) in group B). Three eyes had no recorded improvement in visual acuity, but no eyes had deterioration in acuity. The improvement in visual acuity was significant at p = 0.001. There were no significant sight threatening complications. CONCLUSION: Intravitreal triamcinolone has been shown to lead to an improvement in macular oedema and visual improvement in diabetic patients not undergoing cataract surgery but has not, to our knowledge, been previously used in a study like this one.We suggest that intravitreal injection at the time of cataract surgery could be carried out safely with encouraging visual outcomes in patients with diabetic foveal oedema and cataract.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

Combined effect of vitamin E and insulin on cataracts of diabetic rats fed a high cholesterol diet.

In the present study we investigated the effects of a long-term treatment with vitamin E, an antioxidant vitamin, insulin or their combination on cataracts of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats fed a high cholesterol diet. Each rat was checked for cataracts at 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 15 weeks after STZ injection. Cataracts were observed from 8 weeks in the control diabetic rats and their incidence of catarats increased to 100% by 12 weeks. The incidence of cataracts in rats treated with vitamin E, insulin and their combination was first seen at 12 weeks and 56%, 20% and 10%, respectively, at 12 weeks and 78%, 50% and 20%, respectively, at 15 weeks. The preventive effects of either agent alone and their combination on the cataracts were in agreement with those obtained by histopathological evaluation of eyeballs. The combined treatment with both agents markedly improved hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and increased serum lipid peroxide levels. These results indicate that the combined treatment with vitamin E and insulin is useful in preventing the development and progression of diabetic cataracts.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Molecular analysis of hereditary hyperferritinemia-cataract syndrome in a large Basque family.

Hereditary hyperferritinemia-cataract syndrome is a genetic condition characterized by constitutively increased serum ferritin values in the absence of iron overload and by bilateral cataract. It has been demonstrated that mutations in the stem loop structure of the iron regulatory element (IRE) located in the 5'-untranslated region of the ferritin L-subunit gene (19q13.1) are responsible for the anomalous expression of this protein. Although not clearly explained, cataract formation seems secondary to the increased levels of ferritin in the lens. We analyzed a large Basque family in order to identify possible germline alterations of the iron regulatory element of the ferritin-L gene in affected individuals and first-degree relatives. All members of the family presented hyperferritinemia and cataract except a young child who had hyperferritinemia but did not present cataract. Sequence analysis permitted the identification of an A40-->G mutation in all members, including this child. This could demonstrate that cataract formation is a consequence of ferritin accumulation in the lens.

5' Untranslated Regions↗
PubMed2004

Cataract formation and prevention.

Cataract, a leading cause of blindness worldwide, is a multifactorial eye disease. In developing countries the incidence of cataract among young generations is not uncommon due to malnutrition, excess exposure to ultraviolet radiation and so on. In developed countries, age-related cataract affecting the population over 65 years of age is a major concern. Oxidative stress was suggested to inflict damage to the lens and induce opacification, and a variety of antioxidant nutrients were tested for the prevention or delay of cataract development. Although promising results were obtained in animal studies of various antioxidants, epidemiological studies on human populations do not seem to support their protective effects unequivocally. It is unlikely that age-related cataract in man, similar to the ageing process itself, will be prevented or delayed by therapeutic drugs in the foreseeable future. At present, keeping a health-conscious life style (i.e., no smoking) may be the most effective and least expensive strategy to prevent the onset of age-related cataract.

Aging↗
PubMed1990

[Breeding of cataract rat strain (ICRF/Kmu//Yg)].

A inbred strain, ICRF, which can be used as a model of both human cataract and epilepsy is described. The strain was bred from the ICR cataractous rat (Ihara, 1983). The original ICR strain showed bilateral cataract on 11-12 weeks of age, but the cataractous syndrome frequently disappeared during life. In the new ICRF strain the cataractous syndrome continued through the life, as shown by primary investigation of 38 males and 32 females. Besides cataract, severe epilepsy-like seizures were observed in 90% of the males. Seizures were rare in females (3%). The life span of the ICRF rats was short, 58% of the males and 6% of the females died before 52 weeks of age.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

[Characterization of dominant hereditary cataract in DDD/1 mice].

We found a female cataractous DDD/1-nu/+ mouse and established a hairy mutant strain (DDD/1-Cti/Cti) with 100% incidence of cataract from it by repeating sibmating. Genetic studies demonstrated that a single autosomal semidominant gene controls cataractogenesis. This gene was named Cti. In homozygotes, DDD/1-Cti/Cti, the lenses began to opacify at 14 days of fetal life and were recognized clinically as cataract at 13-14 days of age when the eyes first open. The opacification became more and more intense with age and looked like mature cataract at 28-42 days of age. However, clarification of the opacified lenses commenced at the periphery after 56 days of age and expanded to the inside with time, and only an opaque spot was left at the center at 140 days of age. In heterozygotes, DDD/1-Cti/+, the lenses were recognizable as cataract after 28 days and became like mature cataract around 35 days of age. The opacity began to be lightened at 42 days and the lenses appeared normal at 56 days of age. Both lenses and eyeballs developed in similar courses in DDD/1(-)+/+, -Cti/+ and -Cti/Cti, although slightly retarded in the last. Microphthalmia was not accompanied even in DDD/1-Cti/Cti. The lens water content remained higher during the time when intense lens opacity continued in DDD/1-Cti/Cti and -Cti/+. Background genes appeared to affect the expression of Cti. DDD/1-Cti(-)+ mice may provide a model for researches into clarification of opaque lenses. A discussion concerning the possible allelism of Cti and Cts with Lop was made based on their phenotypic characteristics.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Effect of electroacupuncture to prevent selenite-induced cataract in Wistar rats.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether electroacupuncture can prevent selenite-induced cataract in an experimental model. METHODS: Fifty Wistar rat pups were randomized into 5 groups of 10 animals: Group 1 (control), no procedure was performed; Group 2 (selenite), sodium selenite (30 micromoles/kg body weight) was injected subcutaneously between postpartum days 10 to 12; Group 3 (anesthesia) received the same dose of selenite and underwent ether inhalation anesthesia during 10 minutes daily for one week; Group 4 (electroacupuncture) underwent the same procedure of Group 3, but also receiving electroacupuncture (2 Hz, 50 mA) applied to the Neiguan (PC6) and Guangming (GB37) acupoints during the anesthesia period; and Group 5 (Sham) underwent the same procedures of Group 4, but needles were applied to non-acupoints. The development of cataract was assessed one week later, and its density was graded by slit lamp biomicroscopy. RESULTS: All control rats' lenses (Group 1) were clear. Groups 2, 3 and 5 rats developed more severe cataract or complete opacification. In Group 4 (electroacupuncture), 45% of eyes did not develop cataract while thirty per cent developed less severe cataract than Groups 2, 3 and 5. The between-group difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). Lens opacification grade in Groups 1 and 4 was lower than in the Groups 2, 3 and 5 (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture effectively decreased selenite-induced cataract formation rate in pup rats when needles were applied at specific acupoints.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Can drugs or micronutrients prevent cataract?

Cataract is the major cause of blindness and of visual impairment worldwide, so its prevention is of the greatest importance. At present no drug therapy is licensed for use in the UK or the US, so the only treatment for cataract is by surgery, which is expensive and has adverse effects. This article reviews research on prevention of cataract by a variety of agents, including micronutrients as well as drugs. Benefits have been claimed for many compounds or mixtures and this review concentrates on those most extensively studied. Information on possible benefits of putative anticataract agents comes from a variety of approaches, from laboratory experiments, both in vitro and in vivo, to epidemiological studies in patients. Sorbitol-lowering drugs were the first to be examined systematically and progressed to clinical trials which were disappointing, and now the entire rationale for their use in prevention of cataract is questionable. Micronutrients showed little promise in animals but came to clinical trial in patients with cataract without the publication of any major benefit. Pantethine showed more promise in animal studies but the only clinical trial was abandoned early. A variety of laboratory and epidemiological evidence supports the benefits of aspirin-like drugs but there has been no trial specifically in patients with cataract. Add-on studies to trials of aspirin for other indications have not been encouraging. Research into other compounds is interesting but less advanced.

Aldehyde Reductase↗
PubMed2001

Characteristics of cataracts in the Chinese Singaporean.

PURPOSE: To conduct an epidemiological survey of cataracts and examine the characteristics of lens opacities in Chinese Singaporeans. The results are then compared with those from two similar surveys previously done in Japan in Noto Area, Honshu, and Amami, Kyushu, respectively. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 468 subjects of > or = 50 years of age, who responded to the invitation to participate, were examined. Examination principally included photo-documentation of the anterior and posterior segments of both eyes. Evaluation and grading of lens opacities were done using graphical analysis of Scheimpflug and retro-illumination images. Inter-group comparisons were based on statistical analysis of cataract prevalence and distribution. RESULTS: The prevalence of clear lenses decreased with aging with no significant difference between males and females--a finding common to Singapore and the two Japanese study groups. The prevalence of cataracts (or lens opacities of Grade II and above) in 60-79 year-old Singapore subjects was significantly higher than Noto and Amami subjects in the same age group. Further, cortical opacity was the main type in Singapore subjects in their 50s and which was significantly higher than Noto subjects of the same age group. In all age groups, the distribution and prevalence of both nuclear and subcapsular types in the Singapore group were higher than the two Japanese study groups. CONCLUSIONS: Cataracts in Chinese Singaporeans are characterized by a high prevalence of nuclear opacities which was generally seen in tropics and sub-tropics. Our study also suggested the involvement of solar-UV in cortical cataracts as well as that of additional risk factors, such as environmental temperature and race, in nuclear and subcapsular cataract formation.

Aged↗
PubMed1992

Studies on contrast visual acuities in normal, cataractous and pseudophakic eyes.

Contrast sensitivity and glare sensitivity are often abnormal in cataract patients. However, despite significant subjective complains, relatively good visual acuities are obtained with high-contrast optotypes. Using Variable Contrast Visual Acuity Charts with contrast levels of 90, 15, and 2.5% and reverse polarity of 90% contrast, contrast visual acuities were measured in 24 normal subjects (40 eyes) (Landolt visual acuity > or = 1.0); 28 cataract patients (40 eyes) (Landolt visual acuity > or = 0.6); and 75 patients (100 eyes) [best-corrected Landolt visual acuity > or = 0.8 after intraocular lens (IOL) implantation]. The cataract group experienced the greatest decrease of contrast visual acuity when the high-contrast chart (chart 1) measurements were compared with the 15% (0.71 vs 0.52-0.64 octave) and the 2.5% contrast charts (1.75 vs 1.21-1.48 octaves), followed by the IOL group, and the normal subjects. In the cataract group, 23/40 eyes (57.5%) showed better contrast visual acuity with chart 4 than chart 1. Although much less in frequency, 28/100 (28%) eyes with IOLs also showed better contrast acuity measured with chart 4 than with chart 1. In addition to high-contrast optotypes, acuity measurements using intermediate- to low-contrast optotypes, combined with the reverse polarity chart, seem effective to analyze visual disabilities caused by early cataract. The pattern of the contrast acuity profile of the IOL patients was comparable to normal subjects, but the glare effect still existed after IOL implantation, though to a lesser degree than in cataractous eyes.

Adult↗