Straylight Values Research Articles

Effect of the chromaticity of stimuli on night vision disturbances

The perception of halos and other night vision disturbances is a common complaint in clinical practice. Such visual disturbances must be assessed in order to fully characterize each patient’s visual performance, which is particularly relevant when carrying out a range of daily tasks. Visual problems are usually assessed using achromatic stimuli, yet the stimuli encountered in daily life have very different chromaticities. Hence, it is important to assess the effect of the chromaticity of visual stimuli on night vision disturbances. The aim of this work is to study the influence of the chromaticity of different visual stimuli on night vision disturbances by analyzing straylight and visual discrimination under low-light conditions. For that, we assessed the monocular and binocular visual discrimination of 27 subjects under low illumination using the Halo test. The subjects’ visual discrimination was assessed after exposure to different visual stimuli: achromatic, red, green, and blue, both at the monitor’s maximum luminance and maintaining the same luminance value for the different visual stimuli. Monocular straylight was also measured for an achromatic, red, green, and blue stimuli. The blue stimulus had the greatest effect on halos in both monocular and binocular conditions. Visual discrimination was similar for the red, green, and achromatic stimuli, but worsened at lower luminance. The greatest influence of straylight was observed for the blue stimulus. In addition, visual discrimination correlated with straylight measurements for achromatic stimuli, wherein greater straylight values correlated with an increased perception of halos and other visual disturbances.

Intraocular Straylight and Multifocal Soft Contact Lens Fit With a Myopia Control Approach.

Center-distance multifocal contact lenses (MFCLs) are used to slow myopia progression. We examined the effect of two MFCLs on intraocular straylight values in myopic individuals. Twenty-five young myopic adults were enrolled and were fit with three contact lenses (Biofinity sphere, Biofinity Multifocal, and NaturalVue Multifocal) in a random order over two study visits. Pupil size (NeurOptics VIP-300, Laguna Hills, CA) and contact lens centration were measured. Right eye intraocular straylight measurements were collected (OCULUS C-Quant; Wetzlar, Germany) and compared with a spectacle trial lens. Log straylight (LogSL) values and straylight residuals were analyzed using repeated-measures analyses of variance with Tukey-corrected post hoc t -tests. The mean participant age (±SD) was 24.1±1.5 years, and right eye spherical equivalent refractive error was -3.38±1.53 DS. There was no difference in mesopic pupil size between visits ( P =0.68) and no difference in contact lens centration between lenses ( P =0.99). LogSL values differed by lens type ( P =0.004). LogSL with the spectacle trial lens was significantly greater than with each contact lens type (all P <0.05), but there were no significant differences in LogSL between the three contact lenses (all P >0.05). There was no difference between the three contact lens designs for straylight residuals ( P =0.33). Measured intraocular straylight for both MFCLs was not different than with a spherical soft contact lens. A significant increase in intraocular straylight with spectacle trial lens correction was observed compared with all contact lenses.

Quantification of Straylight Induced by Silicone Oil Adherent to Intraocular Lenses of Different Materials

PurposeA complication of using silicone oil as an intraocular endotamponade is its adhesion to intraocular lenses (IOLs). Forward light scattering is a measure to quantify the optical disturbance caused by adherent oil droplets. We tested the straylight caused by silicone oil adhesion to different IOLs and examined whether an approved cleaning solution, F4H5, reverses the induced straylight. DesignAn experimental study. MethodsTwo hydrophobic acrylic IOL models and one hydrophilic model with a hydrophobic surface (n=8 per model: twenty-four lenses) had straylight measured before contact with silicone oils, providing a baseline for subsequent testing: twelve lenses with lighter-than-water silicone oil (Siluron 2000) and twelve with heavier-than-water oil (Densiron 68). The final measurement was after cleansing with F4H5 when we used scanning electron and light microscopy to detect surface changes. ResultsStraylight was majorly increased in IOLs with adherent silicone oil. (Baseline vs adherent oil median 3.1 [2.1, 3.9] and 39.7 [22.7, 87.8] deg2/sr, respectively, p<0.001). No difference was seen between heavier- and lighter-than-water silicone oils. Between IOL types, induced straylight varied significantly, with one hydrophobic model reaching the highest average straylight. F4H5 significantly reduced straylight values in all IOL types (median 9.4 [5.4, 13.8] deg2/sr). The microscopy revealed surface changes on the IOLs even after cleaning. ConclusionsSilicone oil adhesion to IOLs can induce amounts of straylight known to cause severe optical disturbance. F4H5 cleansing solution reversed straylight values to only slightly increased values. We found no difference in straylight formation between the lighter- and heavier-than-water silicone oils.

Effects of refraction on straylight

AbstractThe effect of cataract and other media opacities on functional vision is typically assessed clinically using visual acuity. However, from both clinical and basic research, it has become evident that straylight (the functional result of light scattering in the eye) must be considered also as significant part of quality of vision. The optical basis of acuity and scatter are quite different. Acuity (and contrast sensitivity) depend on the refractile structure of the eye optics (refractive error and aberrations), whereas straylight mostly depends on the presence of light scattering particles of microscopic size. It must be noted that the first aspect is of global nature; the refractile structure concerns all light entering the pupil, whereas light scattering is of local nature, concerning only part of the light entering the pupil. The other part is under the influence of the refractile structure only. The subject of this presentation is the potential link between these two phenomena, and their functional counterparts: is visual acuity in cataract and other media opacities related to straylight? On the other hand, is straylight or its measurement under the influence of refractile errors, more in particular for myopic eyes?Potential interdependence between acuity and straylight was addressed for normal eyes by manipulating refractive correction with plus lenses. No effect on measured straylight values was found. Also statistically, little relation between straylight and acuity exists in the normal population, in concordance with expectation from theoretical modelling. Visual acuity losses with cataract and other media opacities are not due to straylight, but caused by aberrations and micro‐aberrations. Straylight defines disability glare, and causes symptoms of glare, haloes, hazy vision etc. Overall, visual acuity and straylight are rather independent aspects of quality of vision.For myopic eyes, literature has shown a clear interdependence (Rozema et al. IOVS 2010 pp 2795–2799). To understand this finding, straylight values were measured with the C‐Quant (Oculus Optikgeräte, GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany) in (1) near‐emmetropic eyes (n = 30) with various negative powered refractive lenses and in (2) myopic eyes (n = 30) corrected with prescribed eyeglasses and contact lenses. The straylight measurements in each group were compared in the different conditions. In the near‐emmetropic group, a significant effect (p &lt; 0.001) of each added negative diopter was found to increase straylight values with 0.006 log‐units. In the second group, no significant correlation with type of correcting lens was found on straylight values. So, refractive correction with high minus power (contact) lenses result in subtle increase of straylight values. These changes are relatively small though.

Vision With Retrodots and Factors for Declining Visual Function.

We investigated decline in the visual function of eyes with retrodots (RDs)-a subtype of cataract. This study included 57 eyes with RD opacity only (mean age 72.3 ± 5.2 years) and 34 eyes with transparent lenses (mean age 71.4 ± 3.7 years). A physician diagnosed lens opacity. Using the Kanazawa Medical University Classification and Grading System, the eyes were classified into the RD-1 (37 eyes, RDs <25% of the 3-mm pupil area) and RD-2 (20 eyes, RDs ≥25% of the 3-mm pupil area) groups. Corrected distance visual acuity, contrast visual acuity, ocular refractive power, lens power, straylight, and backward light-scattering intensity and their relationship with visual function decline and optical characteristics of the eyeball were evaluated. Corrected distance visual acuity was significantly lower in the RD eyes than in controls. Contrast visual acuity decreased significantly in the RD-2 eyes in all environments and in the RD-1 eyes in the evening (EVE) and EVE + glare. Straylight was significantly higher in the RD-2 eyes than in the controls and RD-1 eyes but not different between the RD-1 eyes and controls. The RD-2 eyes were significantly more myopic than the controls and RD-1 eyes. When the opacity of RD eyes is ≥25%, the visual acuity and contrast visual acuity decrease and straylight increases. Furthermore, myopia occurs as the refractive power of the lens increases. Moreover, visual function decline may be due to an increase in the straylight value, which is necessary for determining surgical indications.

Straylight in fish-eye disease: visual quality and angular dependence of straylight

ABSTRACT Aim To quantify visual complaints by determining straylight values, to investigate the angular dependency of straylight, and to examine the use of straylight for clinical decision making in fish-eye disease (FED) patients. Research design and methods Straylight was measured in 10 patients with FED using the compensation comparison method (Oculus C-Quant). Additionally, the direct comparison method was used for four patients to measure straylight at different visual angles. Results Average straylight in untreated eyes with FED was 1.91 log(s). Penetrating keratoplasty and deep anterior Lamellar keratoplasty treated eyes had average straylight levels of 1.53 log(s) and 1.63 log(s), respectively. Straylight in FED was not strongly angle dependent. Conclusions Straylight was highly elevated (up to 24x age normal value) although visual acuity was relatively well preserved. For several patients, complaints were severe enough to undergo corneal transplantation resulting in reduced straylight and alleviation of complaints. Straylight in FED follows relatively normal angular dependence. We conclude that straylight measurements can support clinical decision-making by quantifying complaints about reduced visual quality, even if visual acuity remains normal.

Pupillary response in adults with Marfan syndrome and its effect on straylight.

The main objective of this study was to examine the pupillary response in patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS) and secondarily to determine whether changes in the pupillary response are associated with the increased disability glare previously shown in the same patient population. This study included 60 eyes of 34 patients with MFS diagnosed in accordance with the Ghent-2 criteria and 81 eyes of 44 controls. Pupillary response was measured with a pupillograph and disability glare with a straylight meter. The patients with MFS had a significantly smaller maximum pupil size than the control group, 4.87 (4.50-5.23) mm versus 5.58 (5.25-5.90) mm (p = 0.01). In addition, they exhibited slower contraction velocities (p = 0.03) and longer re-dilation times (p = 0.01) compared with the control group. The mean straylight value was higher in patients with MFS than controls, even when including pupillary parameters together with lens surgery, cataract, iris colour, axial length and corneal curvature as possible explanatory variables in the analysis. However, when including data from both groups, a significant negative correlation was seen between maximum pupillary diameter and straylight value (p = 0.01). The other pupillary parameters did not correlate with straylight. Patients with MFS had a smaller maximum pupil diameter, slower pupillary contraction and longer re-dilation time than the controls. Despite the correlation between pupil size and straylight value, the pupillary response demonstrated in MFS eyes could not explain the increased straylight in these patients.

Photophobia and disability glare in adult patients with Marfan syndrome: a case-control study.

The aim of the present study was to investigate photophobia and disability glare in adult patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS). In this case-control study, 44 patients with MFS (87 eyes) were compared to 44 controls (88 eyes), who were matched for age and sex. The subjects were asked to grade their photophobia and glare using 10-cm visual analogue scales (VAS), which were marked with 'never' at zero and 'always' at 10 -cm. In addition, disability glare was measured with C-Quant straylight meter. The patients with MFS had significantly higher VAS scores than the controls in four out of seven statements related to photophobia and glare. When including cataract, spherical equivalent, iris colour, axial length and corneal curvature, three of the seven statements were still significantly different between the two groups. The mean straylight values were 1.29 ± 0.03 log(s) in the MFS group and 1.01 ± 0.03 log(s) in the control group (p < 0.001, mixed model). These differences remained significant after adjusting for cataract, spherical equivalent, iris colour, axial length and corneal curvature. Patients with MFS reported more photophobia and had a higher straylight value than the control group. Awareness of these findings of more photophobia and glare in the MFS patients is important when counselling and treating these patients.

Comparison of glistenings formation and their effect on forward light scatter between the Acrysof SN60WF and Eternity Natural Uni NW-60 intraocular lenses

AimsTo compare the characteristics of glistenings and forward light scatter between the Alcon Acrysof SN60WF and Santen Eternity Natural Uni NW-60 intraocular lenses (IOLs).MethodsFive Acrysof SN60WF and five Eternity Natural...

Impact of Primary Calcification in Segmented Refractive Bifocal Intraocular Lenses on Optical Performance Including Straylight.

To describe and analyze the impact of calcification on the optical quality of segmented refractive bifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs). Eight segmented refractive bifocal IOLs made of hydrophilic acrylic were explanted from 8 patients due to opacification (and one opacified IOL that was not explanted) and analyzed in a cross-sectional study with laboratory analysis. Nine cases comprised three IOL models: LS-313 MF30 (5 cases), LS-312 MF30 (3 cases), and LS-313 MF15 (1 case). Material analysis with scanning and transmission electron microscopy confirmed IOL calcification. Measurements of modulation transfer function (MTF) and straylight permitted assessment of the IOL optical quality. Values were compared to a control lens. Except for one case of Nd:YAG (neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet) capsulotomy, there was no secondary surgical procedure in the patients' histories. Eight of nine patients reported deteriorated visual quality, ultimately requiring IOL exchange. Material evaluation revealed fine granules of a calcium phosphate. Despite calcification, all but one lens still showed two distinct foci on the MTF measurements. Straylight values were higher than in a cataractous lens (33.1 deg2/sr) in all cases, with an average value of 170.1 ± 71.5 deg2/sr. Optical quality assessment showed that IOL calcification had a small effect on the MTF of segmented refractive bifocal lenses but a large impact on the straylight levels. Accordingly, in the clinical case, straylight levels were elevated. [J Refract Surg. 2020;36(1):20-27.].

South American Values of the Optical Straylight Function.

Purpose: To access retinal straylight in a Brazilian sample and to compare it with European norms. Methods: Absolute Straylight was assessed using C-Quant that uses an adaptive staircase based on a 2-Alternated Forced Choice task. A young (22.2 ± 2.4 yrs, n = 20) and an old group (53.8 ± 7.4 yrs, n = 21) of subjects were tested. All refractive errors were corrected in the C-Quant device, and no subjects had ocular diseases or vision-threatening conditions (e.g., diabetes, unregulated blood pressure, high intraocular pressure, visible cataract). Eighty-five percent of all subjects in each age group had dark-pigmented eyes. Each eye was tested 3 times, yielding 6 straylight values (s). Only data fulfilling C-Quant reliability criteria were included. Results: There were no statistical differences between the three attempts on each eye (ANOVA, F = 0.993, p > 0.936) and between the two groups (ANOVA, F = 0.893, p > 0.725). Straylight values (s) were fit with an empirical equation to compare to European norms. There were no statistical differences between Brazilian straylight values and European norms for either young or old age groups (ANOVA, F = 5.114, p > 0.993). However, there was a tendency for our s values to be higher than the European norms, consistent with young Brazilian eyes having more light-scattering than age-matched European eyes. Conclusions: Consistent with European norms, light-scattering increases with age in the Brazilian sample. This increase is thought to be due, in large part, to age-related changes in lens structure and density. Although the differences between the populations are not significant, the tendency for Brazilian data to have higher s values than European values, especially at young subjects, is in the opposite direction from that expected from a dark-eyed population. This suggests the hypothesis that latitude-dependent (Sao Paulo, latitude 23° S, European latitudes between 40° N to 55° N) differences in the light environment could be associated with differences in s values.

Straylight As The Result Of Refractive Correction.

PurposeTo investigate the effect of refractive correction on straylight.Patients and methodsStraylight values were measured with the C-Quant (Oculus Optikgeräte, GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany) in 1) near-emmetropic eyes (n=30) with various negative powered refractive lenses and in 2) myopic eyes (n=30) corrected with prescribed eyeglasses and contact lenses. The straylight measurements in each group were compared in the different conditions.ResultsIn the near-emmetropic group, a significant effect (p<0.001) of each added negative diopter was found to increase straylight values with 0.006 log-units. In the second group, no significant correlation with type of correcting lens was found on straylight values.ConclusionRefractive correction with high minus power (contact) lenses result in subtle increase of straylight values. These changes are relatively small and do not lead to visual disability in a clinical setting.

Fluctuation in straylight measurements during the visual recovery phase after small incision lenticule extraction.

To investigate the postoperative straylight changes during the visual recovery phase after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and their association. Seventy consecutive eyes from 37 patients with a mean age of 30.92 ± 7.26 years and a mean preoperative spherical equivalent of -5.24 ± 1.90 dioptres undergoing myopic or myopic astigmatism SMILE correction were included in this prospective study. Patients were followed up at days 1, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 after standard SMILE. Straylight was measured using the C-Quant straylight meter (Oculus GmbH, Germany) preoperatively and at each postoperative visit. Preoperatively, the mean straylight measurement was 1.16 ± 0.16. After SMILE, the mean straylight values were 1.12 ± 0.14 and 1.13 ± 0.13 at days 7 and 14, which were significantly reduced compared to preoperative values (p ≤ 0.028). Straylight returned to baseline by week 3 (p = 0.160) and remained stable onwards (p = 0.651). A lower ablation ratio was associated with less straylight level at days 1, 3, 14 and 21 (p ≤ 0.0497) in the multivariable regression model. Likewise, better visual acuity was associated with lower straylight at days 7, 14 and 28 postoperatively (p ≤ 0.038). A small proportion of eyes (range: 0-12.86%) had ≥0.30 log(s) increase in postoperative straylight within the first month after SMILE. SMILE induced a temporary decrease in straylight. It gradually returned to the preoperative level, which could be related to a number of dynamic processes during corneal healing. In the small proportion of patients with an increase in straylight postoperatively, this can affect their visual recovery during the early postoperative period.

Effects of Corneal Scars and Their Treatment With Rigid Contact Lenses on Quality of Vision.

To study the effects of corneal scars and the treatment of these scars with rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lenses on quality of vision including straylight. Visual effects were related to scar characteristics such as size and grade. Straylight and best-corrected visual acuity were measured in 23 patients with corneal scars during and after RGP contact lens wear. Contralateral eyes were used as controls, and age-normal values in case of bilateral scars. Straylight measurements were performed using the compensation comparison method of the Oculus C-Quant instrument. Scarred eye straylight values were 1.53 log(s) without contact lens and 1.60 log(s) with contact lens (P=0.043). Healthy eyes without contact lens had a mean straylight value of 1.13 log(s), corresponding to age-normal values. Contact lens wear increased straylight in healthy eyes to 1.26 log(s) (P<0.001). Visual acuity improved from 0.66 logarithm of minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) to 0.19 logMAR with contact lens wear in eyes with a corneal scar (P<0.001). Corneal scars can have a strong effect on quality of vision by diminishing visual acuity and increasing straylight. The increase in straylight from corneal scars on its own can lead to a serious visual handicap. Contact lens treatment did not improve straylight, but showed a slight worsening. As the recovery of visual acuity with contact lens wear far exceeded straylight increase, contact lenses remain a clinically useful treatment option in most patients with corneal scars.

Subjective Visual Performance and Objective Optical Quality With Intraocular Lens Glistening and Surface Light Scattering.

To evaluate the long-term effect of glistenings and surface light scattering of intraocular lenses (IOLs) on visual and optical performance after cataract surgery. Pseudophakic eyes that underwent standard phacoemulsification and two types of hydrophobic acrylic spherical IOL implantation without complications for at least 5 years were included in this retrospective study. Participants were divided into the glistenings, surface light scattering, and control groups according to the current condition of the IOLs. Then participants received a follow-up examination including uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity (UDVA and CDVA), contrast sensitivity, straylight, and intraocular higher order aberrations, as well as point spread function (PSF) and modulation transfer function (MTF). A total of 140 eyes were included in the study. UDVA, CDVA, and glare sensitivity were not significantly different among the three groups (P > .05). However, compared with the control group, the IOLs of the glistenings and surface light scattering groups were associated with significantly lower contrast sensitivity under no glare conditions. Furthermore, eye with glistenings exhibited the highest straylight value (P < .05), whereas no difference was found between the surface light scattering and control groups. In contrast to the control group, the spherical aberration increased and the mean values of PSF and MTF decreased in the glistenings and surface light scattering groups. Both glistenings and surface light scattering tend to impair subjective visual performance, such as contrast sensitivity, and potentially affect objective optical quality, including straylight, spherical aberration, PSF, and MTF. [J Refract Surg. 2018;34(6):372-378.].

The Effect of Ocular Surface Regularity on Contrast Sensitivity and Straylight in Dry Eye.

To investigate the association between visual function and ocular surface regularity in dry eye. We enrolled 52 eyes of 52 dry eye patients (34 dry eyes with superficial punctate keratopathy [SPK] in the central corneal region [central SPK] and 18 dry eyes without central SPK) and 20 eyes of 20 normal control subjects. All eyes had a best-corrected distance visual acuity better than 20/20. We measured two indices of contrast sensitivity function under photopic conditions: contrast sensitivity and letter contrast sensitivity. The area under the log contrast sensitivity function (AULCSF) was calculated from the obtained contrast sensitivity data. Straylight was quantified using a straylight meter. Dry eyes with central SPK had significantly decreased contrast sensitivity function, including AULCSF and letter contrast sensitivity than those without central SPK and normal eyes (P < 0.05 for each). While the straylight values in both dry eye groups did not differ, straylight values were greater than those in normal eyes (P < 0.05 for both). In dry eye, the AULCSF and letter contrast sensitivity negatively correlated with the central SPK score (R = -0.485, P < 0.001, and R = -0.541, P < 0.001, respectively). In dry eye, reduced contrast sensitivity in part results from central SPK overlying the optical zone and the increased straylight results from tear film instability rather than central SPK.

Straylight as an Indicator for Cataract Extraction in Patients with Retinal Dystrophy

Straylight reduces retinal sensitivity, which is particularly relevant in conditions with retinal dysfunction, such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Retinitis pigmentosa is associated with posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC), a cataract type that is known to cause severe disability glare (i.e., straylight). Study purposes were (1) to determine the severity of disability glare before and after cataract extraction (CE) in subjects with retinal dystrophy; (2) to study possible aggravation of disability glare due to the combination of retinal degradation and increased straylight from PSC; and (3) to evaluate whether straylight can be used to support the possible benefit of (early) CE. Prospective, comparative study. Sixteen patients (25 eyes) with retinal dystrophy scheduled for CE participated. Cataract severity was graded according to the Lens Opacities Classification System (LOCS) III. Preoperatively and postoperatively, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), spatial contrast sensitivity with the Pelli-Robson chart, and straylight were tested. Retinal function was assessed with Goldmann visual field and temporal contrast sensitivity (TCS). Temporal contrast sensitivity is a flicker test to evaluate central retinal sensitivity isolated from the eye's optical quality. Central retinal structure was assessed with spectral-domain OCT and fundus autofluorescence. Preoperative and postoperative straylight were measured using the C-Quant (Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany) and expressed as the logarithm of the straylight parameter s: log(s). The average straylight value was 1.75 preoperatively and 1.45 postoperatively, 7.1 and 3.5 times higher than in a healthy young eye, respectively. Functionally significant improvement, defined as >0.20 log, was found in 72% of eyes for straylight and in 20% of eyes for CDVA. The CDVA and TCS were significantly correlated. Only straylight improvement was related to preoperative values; therefore, straylight was the only parameter that could be used to support postoperative improvement. In retinal dystrophy, eyes with cataract and a preoperative straylight value ≥1.66 log(s), a 50% chance of functionally significant log(s) improvement can be expected. In patients with retinal dystrophy, straylight caused by cataract substantially aggravates visual disability, whereas CDVA is less affected. Therefore, straylight is a valuable (additional) indicator for beneficial CE in patients with retinal dystrophy and cataract.

The (lack of) relation between straylight and visual acuity. Two domains of the point-spread-function.

The effect of cataract and other media opacities on functional vision is typically assessed clinically using visual acuity. In both clinical and basic research, straylight (the functional result of light scattering in the eye) is commonly measured. The purpose of the present study was to determine the link between these two measures: is visual acuity in cataract and other media opacities related to straylight? Interdependence between acuity and straylight is addressed from three different points of view: (1) Methodological: can acuity differences affect the measurement value of straylight, and vice versa? (2) Basic optics: does the optical process of light scattering in the human eye affect both straylight and visual acuity? (3) Statistical: how strongly are acuity and straylight correlated in the practice of important clinical conditions? Experimental and theoretical aspects will be considered, with a focus on normal ageing and cataract formation. (1) Methodological: testing potential effects of acuity, artificially manipulated with positive trial lenses, showed no effect on measured straylight values. Since light scattering in the eye involves a low percentage of the light and has large angular spreading, contrast reduction due to straylight is limited, resulting in virtually absent acuity effects. (2) Basic optics: light scattering from the human donor eye lens is found to have virtually no effect in the centre of the point-spread-function, also for cataractous lenses, resulting in virtually absent acuity effects. (3) Statistical: literature data on straylight and visual acuity show a weak correlation for the important groups of normal ageing and cataract populations. The point-spread-function of the normal ageing and cataractous human eye is built upon two rather independent basic parts. Aberrations control the central peak. Light scattering controls the periphery from about 1° onwards. The way acuity and straylight are measured ensures no confounding between them. Statistically within the normal ageing and cataract populations, visual acuity and straylight vary quite independently from each other. Visual acuity losses with cataract and other media opacities are not due to straylight, but caused by aberrations and micro-aberrations. Straylight defines disability glare, and causes symptoms of glare, haloes, hazy vision etc. Overall, visual acuity and straylight are rather independent aspects of quality of vision.

Optical Measurement of Straylight in Eyes With Cataract.

To measure straylight in a cohort of patients with cataract using a novel optical instrument and to correlate optical straylight values with clinical grade of cataracts and psychophysical straylight values. Measurements were performed on 53 eyes of 44 patients with cataract admitted to the ophthalmology service of the university hospital in Murcia, Spain, and 9 young volunteers with no known ophthalmic pathology. Lens opacities were classified according to the Lens Opacities Classification System Ill (LOCS III) under slit-lamp examination. Intraocular straylight was additionally assessed psychophysically using the C-Quant straylight meter (Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany). Optical measurements of the logarithm of the straylight parameter ranged from 1.01 to 2.01 (mean: 1.43 ± 0.244) in patients with cataract and 0.80 to 1.08 (mean: 0.92 ± 0.104) in healthy young volunteers. Straylight differed by a statistically significant amount among different LOCS III groups (P < .05). Moreover, the optically measured straylight parameter was positively correlated to the psychophysically estimated value (r = 0.803, P < .05). A new compact optical instrument suitable for clinical measurements of straylight in the human eye has been developed. Optically measured straylight values were highly correlated to those that were obtained psychophysically. Optical measurement of straylight can be used for the objective classification of cataract opacities based on their optical impact. [J Refract Surg. 2016;32(12):846-850.].

Effect of ocular reconstruction on brain function and structure in people with age-related cataracts: a prospective controlled clinical trial

BackgroundHealthy ageing is accompanied by simultaneous decline of visual and neural function. Studies in animals and humans provide converging evidence that these functions' decrease is mostly associated with structural change in ocular and brain structure. We investigated whether regaining visual function after ocular reconstruction was associated with functional and structural changes in the brain. MethodsWe did a prospective controlled clinical trial including 21 consecutive typical ageing patients (42 eyes; mean age 63·14 years, SD 7·82) with decreased visual function and diagnosis of bilateral age-related cataracts requiring phacoemulsification surgery and multifocal or monofocal intraocular lens implantation. Before surgery and 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery, we measured visual function parameters including best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), contrast sensitivity, straylight values, and pattern visual evoked potential, and we evaluated brain function and structure with the Mini-Mental State Examination and functional magnetic resonance imaging. Paired-t test, ANOVA, and post-hoc tests were used to compare preoperative and postoperative results. The study was approved by the ethics committee of Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center of Sun Yat-sen University. Written informed consent was obtained. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02644720. FindingsThese 21 patients with age-related cataracts had visual and brain function decline and structural alterations before surgery compared with 21 age-matched and sex-matched healthy controls without cataracts. BCVA (assessed by LogMAR) 1 week after operation (mean −0·02, SD 0·01) was significantly improved compared with baseline (mean 0·61, SD 0·06; difference 0·633, 95% CI 0·51 to 0·76, p<0·0001). Significant functional improvements measured by fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuation values were shown in the visual cortex at 3 months after ocular reconstruction (mean 0·12, SD 0·06), compared with values before surgery (mean 0·05, SD 0·06; difference −0·076, 95% CI −0·10 to 0·05, p=0·004). A significant increase in grey matter volume (voxel-based morphometry value) occurred in the vision-related area 3 months after surgery (mean 0·42, SD 0·07) compared with baseline (mean 0·37, SD 0·09; difference −0·06, 95% CI −0·08 to −0·03, p<0·0001). No significant change was noted in non-visual cortical regions 3 months postoperatively. InterpretationThese results suggest that ocular reconstruction to restore vision is associated with improvements in brain function and structure, even after initial of cerebral function degeneration, which might have been caused by visual decline and blindness in our study group. FundingThis work was supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Guangzhou City (81570889, 81270980), the Science and Technology Program of Guangdong Province, China (2013B021800054, 2013B020400003, 15570001), and the Clinical Research and Translational Medical Center Program in Guangzhou City.