Visual Acuity and Contrast Sensitivity after Retinal Detachment Surgery

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate visual acuity (VA) and contrast sensitivity (CS) changes after surgery for retinal detachment (RD).  Method: A total of thirty patients undergoing surgery for retinal detachment were observed up to two visits after surgery. Functional success or failure of surgery for retinal detachment was assessed by assessing visual acuity (VA) and contrast sensitivity (CS) after surgery. VA and CS of these patients were obtained before retinal detachment surgery and at two visits (1^st visit after 1week while 2^nd visit after 1 month) after surgery for retinal detachment. VA was assessed by using Snellen chart placed at 6m distance while CS was obtained by using Lea symbols CS chart. Results: Improvement in VA is seen in 70% of the patients, while 23.33% patients have not improved their VA at 1^st visit. 6.66% patients reduce their VA up to 1^st visit post-operatively. At 2^nd visit, improvement in VA is seen in 79.99% of patients. 6.66% patients did not improve and 13.33% patients have reduced VA. Contrast sensitivity (CS) of 30% patients did not improve, and 3.32% patients had reduced CS while 56.66% patients have improved their CS up to 1^st visit. At 2^nd visit, 72.66% patients have improved their CS while 16.67% patients have not improved. Only 9.99% patients have reduced their CS up to 2^nd visit post-operatively. Conclusion: Visual acuity (VA) and contrast sensitivity (CS) was significantly improved after surgery for retinal detachment (RD). RD surgery has good prognosis if patient has no other pathology which cause disturbance in vision. Post-operative visual (VA and CS) outcome mainly depends upon pre-operative visual functioning. Key words: Visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, retinal detachment surgery