Comparison of Contrast Sensitivity in Subjects Wearing Spectacles and Contact Lenses

Aims: The purpose of this study was to compare the contrast sensitivity level in people wearing soft contact lenses and spectacles. Study design: Cross sectional Duration and Study Setting: Six months, Ophthalmology Department, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar. Methods: Data were taken from participants having myopic refractive error only, wearing soft contact lenses and spectacles for correction of their myopia. All the participants underwent comprehensive eye examination. Contrast Sensitivity (CS) were measured with Lea contrast sensitivity chart for each eye separately at three meters, two meters and one meter distances with spectacles first and then with soft contact lenses. After complete assessment, mean change in CS in contact lenses and spectacles were compared with paired t-test using SPSS 17.0. Results: A total of 48 eyes were tested. The mean age of subjects was 22 ±1.45. Contrast sensitivity Mean in spectacle was 78 at 3m, 127 at 2m, and 160 at 1m. CS Mean in contact lens is 65 at 3m, 117 at 2m, and 156 at 1m. Paired T test (two tailed) for means and alpha 0.05 was applied and showed the results were insignificant at 3m with p= 0.095, at 2m p=0.185 and at 1m p=0.327. The higher mean change in CS was observed in the age group of 23 years and moderate myopia. Conclusion: There was no statistically significant difference in CS between spectacle and soft contact lens wearing at three, two and one meter. According to our results there is no preference for contact lenses and spectacles regarding contrast.