Visual function after surgery for early cataract.

Glare disability and contrast sensitivity loss can be present in cataract patients with minimally reduced visual acuity. Objective and subjective visual function was analyzed in 72 patients (mean visual acuity = 20/40) before and after cataract surgery. Following surgery, most subjects regained normal function in all tests. Improvement in contrast sensitivity and reduction of glare disability were independent of preoperative visual acuity. Subjective improvement in visual function was predicted by acuity and contrast sensitivity tests.