Features of contrast sensitivity in patients with age-related cataracts

аge-related cataracts are a common ophthalmological condition characterised by clouding of the lens of the eye. This leads to reduced visual acuity, blurred images, and impaired colour perception. To assess the need for cataract surgery, it is important to evaluate contrast sensitivity, which shows a person's ability to distinguish small details that differ in brightness. The development of accurate and effective methods for the diagnosis and treatment of cataracts is an urgent scientific and practical problem. The aim of the study is to determine the diagnostic value of contrast sensitivity in patients with age-related cataracts by comparing two methods of its study. The study was conducted at the Department of Ophthalmology of the Bogomolets National Medical University on the basis of St. Michael's Clinical Hospital in Kyiv and the Medical Ophthalmological Centre ‘Zir 100%’. The study included 100 patients (100 eyes) aged 45 to 75 years diagnosed with age-related cataracts and undergoing phacoemulsification surgery with IOL implantation. The study involved 55 women and 45 men. Patients were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 - 50 patients (50 eyes) who underwent contrast sensitivity measurement using the Pelli-Robson table, Group 2 - 50 patients (50 eyes) who underwent Clinic CSF Contrast Sensitivity test. To participate in the study, all participants had to sign an informed consent. Measurements were performed 1 day before surgery and 7 days and 1 month after surgery. According to the results of the study, the comparison of contrast sensitivity between men and women did not reveal a statistically significant difference when using both methods (p=0.5). This indicates that gender is not a determining factor in the change in contrast sensitivity within the study sample. Regardless of the method of measurement, the average values of contrast sensitivity in men and women are similar, which confirms the absence of sex dependence in the functional results of the visual system by this parameter. The analysis of the results of the two methods of measuring contrast sensitivity showed that the Clinic CSF Contrast Sensitivity test demonstrates statistically higher results compared to the Pelli-Robson table (p value < 0.05). This may be due to the more accurate and sensitive measurement methods used in digital devices, which can better reflect subtle changes in contrast sensitivity. Therefore, the Clinic CSF Contrast Sensitivity test may provide a more sensitive assessment of contrast sensitivity, making it a more effective tool in clinical practice for assessing functional vision.