Our Summary

This study looked at how accurate and related two different types of eye tests are. These tests are used to measure contrast sensitivity, which is how well a person can see differences in brightness. The research involved 57 people aged 20-39 who had normal eyesight, some of whom had undergone eye surgery to correct their vision.

The study found that the automated test was faster than the manual one. It also found that people who had undergone eye surgery had worse contrast sensitivity in low light compared to bright light when tested on the automated machine. However, this difference was not seen with the manual test.

Additionally, people who reported having poorer vision at night showed lower contrast sensitivity on the automated test, but this wasn’t the case with the manual test. This suggests that the automated test might be better at picking up on these sorts of issues.

In simple terms, the study found that the automated eye test was quicker and seemed to be better at detecting issues with night vision.

FAQs

  1. What are the two types of eye tests this study compared?
  2. How did the automated test performance compare to the manual test in individuals who underwent eye surgery?
  3. According to the study, which test is potentially better at identifying issues with night vision?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might advise a patient who is considering ocular surgery to discuss the potential impact on contrast sensitivity in low light conditions, especially if they already have issues with night vision. They may recommend regular eye exams, including contrast sensitivity tests, to monitor any changes in vision post-surgery. It’s important for patients to communicate any concerns or changes in their vision to their doctor to ensure proper care and management.

Suitable For

Patients who have undergone eye surgery or who have reported issues with night vision are typically recommended ocular surgery. This includes patients who may have undergone LASIK, cataract surgery, or other corrective procedures. These patients may experience changes in contrast sensitivity, especially in low light conditions, which can impact their overall vision quality. Ocular surgery may be recommended to address these issues and improve visual acuity and contrast sensitivity.

Timeline

Before ocular surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes a consultation with an eye surgeon to discuss the procedure and potential risks and benefits.
  2. Patient undergoes pre-operative tests and evaluations to ensure they are a suitable candidate for surgery.
  3. Patient is instructed on pre-operative care, such as avoiding certain medications or foods before surgery.

After ocular surgery:

  1. Patient may experience some discomfort, redness, and sensitivity to light immediately following surgery.
  2. Patient is given post-operative instructions on how to care for their eyes, including using prescribed eye drops and avoiding certain activities.
  3. Patient attends follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing and ensure the surgery was successful.
  4. Patient gradually experiences improved vision as the eyes heal and adjust to the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about ocular surgery include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications of the surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery period, and what can I expect during that time?
  3. Will I need to wear glasses or contact lenses after the surgery?
  4. How long will the results of the surgery last?
  5. Are there any specific post-operative instructions I need to follow for a successful outcome?
  6. What are the chances of experiencing side effects such as dry eyes or halos around lights after the surgery?
  7. How many times have you performed this type of surgery, and what is your success rate?
  8. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery, and will I be awake or asleep during the procedure?
  9. Can I have a second opinion from another eye specialist before proceeding with the surgery?
  10. What is the cost of the surgery, and will my insurance cover it?

Reference

Authors: Jung H, Han SU, Kim S, Ahn H, Jun I, Lee HK, Seo KY, Kim TI. Journal: Sci Rep. 2022 Jul 28;12(1):12882. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-16855-3. PMID: 35902646