The effect of posterior capsule opacification on visual function.

PURPOSE To investigate how posterior capsule opacification (PCO) affects visual function in pseudophakic eyes. METHODS One hundred and six eyes that had undergone uncomplicated phacoemulsification were recruited sequentially. Patients with surgical complications or other ocular disease were excluded. PCO was assessed by a digital retroillumination camera using a software program based on the analysis of texture in the image, and the percentage area within the central 3-mm zone of the posterior capsule was calculated. Visual function assessment included Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) high- and low-contrast visual acuity, contrast sensitivity with the Pelli-Robson and CSV-1000 grating charts, and forward light-scatter by the direct-compensation method (van den Berg). RESULTS The percentage PCO required for decline in high-contrast ETDRS was 78%; for low-contrast acuity and Pelli-Robson, 46%; for CSV-1000 contrast sensitivity, 38% to 51%; and for forward light-scatter, less than 1% PCO. CONCLUSIONS Central PCO affects psychophysical test results with differing degrees of sensitivity. Forward light-scatter is the most sensitive, followed by contrast sensitivity and visual acuity.