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Title

Glare and contrast sensitivity related to the type of cataract.

Purpose	To evaluate glare and contrast sensitivity in cataracts of different clinical aspect compared to non cataractous eyes.
Methods	Contrast sensitivity was determined with the Pelli-Robson contrast sensitivity chart and with the sine wave contrast test (S.W.C.T.) in patients with age-related cataract with normal macular function. Glare was tested by the C-Quant (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.
Results	In all patients with age related cataract contrast sensitivity was found reduced and glare was found 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 highest loss in 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.

Author 1

Last name	BAL
Initials	T
Department	UZA
City	Edegem

Author 2

Last name	Van Looveren
Initials	J
Department	UZA
City	Edegem

Author 3

Last name	Coeckelbergh
Initials	T
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