The effects of artificial tear application on contrast sensitivity in dry and normal eyes.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of artificial tear application on contrast sensitivity in dry and normal eyes.


METHODS
A total of 55 patients with normal (10/10) corrected or uncorrected visual acuity referring to GATA Gulhane Military Medical Academy Haydarpasa Ophthalmology Outpatient Clinic were evaluated in regard to dry eye diagnostic criteria, and assigned into the dry eye group (Group 1; 35 patients) and the control group (Group 2; 20 patients). All patients were given a contrast sensitivity testing at low and high spatial frequencies using the gradual contrast sensitivity chart before and at 5 minutes after application of artificial tears, and the two groups were compared. Wilcoxon test was used in statistical analysis, accepting a p value of <0.05 as significant.


RESULTS
In the dry eye group, there was a statistically significant increase in contrast sensitivity scores both at low and high frequencies after application of artificial tears (p<0.05). In the control group, although there was a significant increase in low frequency scores after artificial tear application (p< 0.05), there was not a significant change in high frequency scores (p>0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The decreased contrast sensitivity in dry eyes improves with application of artificial tears. Therefore, the impeded quality of vision seen in dry eye patients could be restored closer to normal with artificial tear therapy. Besides, contrast sensitivity testing could be used in the follow-up of artificial tear therapy.
Akin
T
T
Department of Ophthalmology, GATA Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Haydarpasa Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. akintugrul@yahoo.com
Karadayi
K
K
Aykan
U
U
Certel
I
I
Bilge
A Hamdi
AH
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015350:Contrast Sensitivity / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D015352:Dry Eye Syndromes / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008889:Military Personnel; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014787:Vision Tests; D014792:Visual Acuity
D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions