Abstract

Visual acuity has long been used as the primary vision test for determining when cataract surgery is warranted and as the measure of its effectiveness. However over the past two decades several studies have been published which indicate that other aspects of visual function may be impaired in cataract patients who have reasonably good visual acuity (e.g. better than 20/40). With the advent of extracapsular cataract extraction and the widespread use of intraocular lenses, the indications for surgery have changed. No longer is it required that the patient’s acuity drop to 20/70 or worse. Surgery is often performed on eyes with 20/40 or better acuity when there are other symptoms of visual impairment, particularly a decline in contrast sensitivity or increased sensitivity to glare.

© 1992 Optical Society of America