The full-field temporal contrast sensitivity test for glaucoma: influence of cataract.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the influence of lens opacities on temporal contrast sensitivity, measured by the full-field flicker test ("Erlangen flicker test").


METHODS
Thirty-six consecutive patients (mean age 71.1+/-11.6 years, 12 male, 24 female, refractive error -1.5+/-3.8 dpt) with cataract (visual acuity 0.21+/-0.16, retinal acuity 0.56+/-0.32, no glaucoma) were studied. Temporal contrast sensitivity (full-field flicker test, 37.1 Hz) and lens opacity (back scatter Lens Opacity Meter, Interzeag) were measured preoperatively and on the 3rd postoperative day.


METHODS
nonparametric tests (Wilcoxon-test, Spearman correlation coefficient, Mann-Whitney U-test).


RESULTS
No significant difference was seen in temporal contrast sensitivity pre- and postoperatively, but there was a significant difference in lens opacity measurements pre- and postoperatively. No significant correlation was found between temporal contrast sensitivity and lens opacity values preoperatively and postoperatively.


CONCLUSIONS
The temporal contrast sensitivity, measured by the full-field flicker test, seems to be independent of lens opacity due to the range of cataract included in this study. The data indicate that the full-field flicker test is useful for early glaucoma detection even in patients with cataract formations.
Jünemann
A G
AG
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany. anselm.juenemann@augen.med.uni-erlangen.de
Horn
F K
FK
Martus
P
P
Korth
M
M
D000368:Aged; D002386:Cataract / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002387:Cataract Extraction; D015350:Contrast Sensitivity / Q000502:physiology*; D005074:Evoked Potentials, Visual; D005260:Female; D005425:Flicker Fusion; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011601:Psychophysics; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014794:Visual Fields