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This abstract is assigned to session OB Poster session > in poster area

Title	Glare and contrast sensitivity related to the type of cataract
Abstract Nr.	133

Purpose	To evaluate straylight and contrast sensitivity in cataracts of different morphology and to determine which lens opacities can be considered relevant to the impairment of visual function.
Methods	Contrast sensitivity was determined with the Pelli-Robson contrast sensitivity chart in 103 eyes of 63 patients with age-related cataract with normal macular function. Glare was tested by the C-Quant Straylight Meter (Oculus). Cataracts were graded by two observers according to the Lens Opacities Classification System (LOCS III) on nuclear color (NC), nuclear opalescence (NO), cortical (C) and posterior subcapsular (P) cataract. These data were compared to data of a control group of the same age range, free of cataract.
Results	In all patients with age related cataract, contrast sensitivity is reduced and glare is increased. Comparing nuclear, cortical, nuclear-cortical and posterior subcapsular cataracts, significantly higher glare scores were found for the group with posterior subcapsular opacities and nuclear-cortical cataract. The lowest contrast sensitivity was found in the group with nuclear-cortical cataract.
Conclusion	The statistically significant effect of cataract on contrast sensitivity and glare support the clinical relevance of recording contrast sensitivity and glare in patients with age-related cataract. Particulary nuclear-cortical and posterior subcapsular cataracts have a strong influence on the impairment of glare and contrast sensitivity, even when visual acuity is good. The postoperative improvement in quality of vision will be greatest in these patients, as compared to patients with nuclear or cortical cataract.

Author 1

Last name	BAL
Initials	T
Department	UZA
City	Edegem

Author 2

Last name	Coeckelbergh
Initials	T
Department	UZA
City	Edegem

Author 3

Last name	Van Looveren
Initials	J
Department	UZA
City	Edegem

Author 4

Last name	Rozema
Initials	J
Department	UZA
City	Edegem

Author 5

Last name	Tassignon
Initials	MJ
Department	UZA
City	Edegem