The Effect of Variably Tinted Spectacle Lenses on Visual Performance in Cataract Subjects

• Published in: Eye & contact lens Vol. 29; no. 1; pp. 17 - 20
• Main Authors: Naidu, Srilata, Lee, Jason E, Holopigian, Karen, Seiple, William H, Greenstein, Vivienne C, Stenson, Susan M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hagerstown, MD Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc 01-01-2003; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
• Subjects: Aged; Biological and medical sciences; Cataract - physiopathology; Color; Contrast Sensitivity - physiology; Diseases of the eye; Eyeglasses; Female; Glare; Humans; Lens diseases; Male; Medical sciences; Ophthalmology; Radiotherapy. Instrumental treatment. Physiotherapy. Reeducation. Rehabilitation, orthophony, crenotherapy. Diet therapy and various other treatments (general aspects); Sensory Thresholds - physiology; Visual Acuity; Human; Eye disease; Cataract; Lens disease; Visual performance; Spectacles; Biological effect; Tinted lens
• ISSN: 1542-2321; 1542-233X
• DOI: 10.1097/00140068-200301000-00005

PURPOSE.A body of clinical and laboratory evidence suggests that tinted spectacle lenses may have an effect on visual performance. The aim of this study was to quantify the effects of spectacle lens tint on the visual performance of 25 subjects with cataracts.
METHODS.Cataracts were scored based on best-corrected acuity and by comparison with the Lens Opacity Classification System (LOCS III) plates. Visual performance was assessed by measuring contrast sensitivity with and without glare (Morphonome software version 4.0). The effect of gray, brown, yellow, green and purple tinting was evaluated.
RESULTS.All subjects demonstrated an increase in contrast thresholds under glare conditions regardless of lens tint. However, brown and yellow lens tints resulted in the least amount of contrast threshold increase. Gray lens tint resulted in the largest contrast threshold increase.
CONCLUSIONS.Individuals with lenticular changes may benefit from brown or yellow spectacle lenses under glare conditions.