Objective:

To determine the effect of cataract surgery on contrast sensitivity and quality of life of patients with different types of cataract.

Methods:

Prospective study with a pre- and post-test design in patients with indication for cataract surgery by phacoemulsification. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at different contrast levels and vision-related quality of life (V-RQOL) were evaluated before and 30 days after surgery. The study population was divided into 3 comparative groups according to the type of predominant cataract following the Lens Opacities Classification System III: nuclear, cortical and posterior subcapsular (PSC).

Results:

Seventy-eight eyes of 78 patients with a mean age of 69.3 ± 9.6 (51–86) years were included. In the preoperative period, low contrast sensitivity was slightly affected in the nuclear group and severely affected in the PSC group. V-RQOL limitations scale was significantly lower for the PSC group compared to the nuclear group (0 [0-15.6] vs. 6.2 [0-12.5]; p = 0.040). After surgery, BCVA and contrast sensitivity improved in the three study groups. The most significant changes were observed in the PSC group. V-RQOL improvement was positively related to visual acuity gain in high and low contrast in the three study groups.

Conclusion:

Cataract surgery significantly improved contrast sensitivity and quality of life of all patients, especially in those with PSC opacity.

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