Contrast sensitivity measurement in dry eyes

Abstract:

·AIM:To study the changes of contrast sensitivity in dry eyes and evaluate the effects of artificial tear application on visual function in dry eyes.·METHODS:The study comprised volunteers in whom dry eye had been diagnosed,and normal subjects which were diagnosed.Their Schirmer’s Ⅰ teat(SⅠt),tear film break-up(BUT)and tear film interference pattern results were collected.All patients were given a contrast sensitivity testing at low,moderate,high spatial frequencies with the OPTEC 6500.BUT,SⅠt,tear film interference pattern,low,moderate,and high score were collected.·RESULTS:The eyes were classified by the diagnosis,based on the symptoms of dry eye,SⅠt,BUT and tear film interference pattern.There were no significant differences in the mean ages of two groups.Contrast sensitivity score in the dry eye group at low,moderate and high frequencies was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).In the dry eye group,there was a statistically significant increase in contrast sensitivity scores at low,moderate and high frequencies after application of artificial tears(P<0.05).There was no significant change in dry eye group after application of artificial tears with the control group.·CONCLUSION:The decreased contrast sensitivity in dry eyes improves with application of artificial tears.Therefore,the impeded quality of vision seen in dry eye patient could be restored close to normal with artificial tear therapy.Besides,contrast sensitivity test can be used as an objective evaluation of non-contact method of tear film quality,and can provide an objective basis for therapeutic effects of dry eyes.·

Key words:dry eye;contrast sensitivity;artificial tear