Effect of anterior capsule contraction on visual function after cataract surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effect of contraction of the anterior capsule opening after cataract surgery on visual acuity and contrast sensitivity.


METHODS
Hayashi Eye Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan.


METHODS
Thirty-two eyes of 32 consecutive patients who showed marked contraction of the anterior capsule opening after implantation of an intraocular lens were recruited. The area of the anterior capsule opening was measured by Scheimpflug videophotography before and after neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) laser anterior capsulotomy and was correlated with visual acuity and contrast sensitivity.


RESULTS
After Nd:YAG laser anterior capsulotomy, the mean area of the anterior capsule opening increased significantly from 8.2 mm(2) to 18.0 mm(2) (P<.0001). Contrast sensitivity at most visual angles also improved significantly after Nd:YAG anterior capsulotomy, although visual acuity did not. The area of the anterior capsule opening before anterior capsulotomy was correlated significantly with contrast sensitivity but not with visual acuity, whereas there was no correlation between the opening area after anterior capsulotomy and visual acuity or contrast sensitivity.


CONCLUSIONS
Contraction of the anterior capsule opening after cataract surgery significantly diminished contrast sensitivity in proportion to the opening area but did not markedly worsen visual acuity. Neodymium:YAG laser anterior capsulotomy improved contrast sensitivity.
Hayashi
Ken
K
Hayashi Eye Hospital and the Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan. hayashi-ken@hayashi.or.jp
Hayashi
Hideyuki
H
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003286:Contracture / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D015350:Contrast Sensitivity / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D007903:Lens Capsule, Crystalline / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018918:Phacoemulsification; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology*