[Subjective visual disorders caused by corrections of eyeglasses or contact lenses in cataract patients after lens extraction]

Abstract

The conventional optical correction given to patients after lens extraction consists of cataract glasses or contact lenses. However, patients fitted with either of these devices are known to have difficulty with some everyday activities and to experience visual disturbances. Using a questionnaire in 43 patients, the frequency of these disturbances was investigated and an attempt was made to define problems specific for glasses or contact lenses. Finally, the tendency of the visual impairment to improve with time was considered. Walking downstairs was the activity most frequently affected, followed by sewing, walking upstairs, shopping and reading. There was little possibility of adaptation. The "Jack-in-the-box" phenomenon and restriction of the visual field were the most common disturbances, and they did not tend to improve. Magnification of the retinal image and all the other specific visual disturbances did, however, improve markedly with time. In conclusion, virtually all the patients were satisfied with their aphacia correction.