Comparison of contrast sensitivity and color vision according to the different illumination in patients with cataract

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the difference of contrast sensitivity and color vision in patients with cataracts under three illuminations (fluorescent light, three-wavelength light emitting diode [LED], and quantum dot LED). Methods: Thirty eyes with normal intraocular pressure and normal fundus of patients who visited the outpatient clinic for the treatment of cataract were included. In patients with cataracts with grade 2 of nucleus color/opalescence according to the Lens Opacities Classification System, version III (LOCS III) and without cataracts in the cortex or posterior pole of the slit lamp examination, contrast sensitivity and color vision test were performed under fluorescent light, three-wavelength LED, and quantum dot LED. Results: The error scores of quantum dot LED were significantly lower than those of fluorescent light and three-wavelength LED (p < 0.05), and the error scores of blue spectrum was relatively higher than those of other colors. Conclusions: In cataract patients, the difference of color sensation occurs due to illumination in color vision test, and it is considered that the degree of color sensitivity is more severe in insufficient illumination and low color rendering index in color vision test. If we replace the indoor lighting with the light source distribution similar to the sunlight and replace it with the illumination with high color rendering index, we can render higher quality of life to cataract patients through psychophysical advantage and high color perception. © 2018 The Korean Ophthalmological Society.