Contrast sensitivity and patient satisfaction following photorefractive keratectomy and radial keratotomy

Purpose. Contrast sensitivity is considered a more sensitive measure of visual function than Snellen acuity. We evaluate the usefulness of contrast sensitivity, visual acuity, and postoperative refraction as predictors of patient satisfaction following myopic photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and radial keratotomy (RK). Methods. Twenty patients (40 eyes) underwent RK and thirteen patients (22 eyes) underwent PRK. All patients were at least one year status-post surgery. Postoperative contrast sensitivity was measured with both Vistech and Vectorvision systems, both with and without spectacle correction. A comprehensive patient satisfaction survey based on the PERK questionnaire was administered to all patients. Results. Vectorvision contrast sensitivity at the highest spatial frequency was correlated with patient satisfaction in the PRK patients measured without correction (P = .0414). Best corrected visual acuity in PRK patients was also correlated with patient satisfaction (P = .0499). No other statistically significant correlations were observed. Conclusion. Patients satisfaction following PRK may be predicted by Vectorvision contrast sensitivity. RK patients do not demonstrate a relationship between patient satisfaction and, postop contrast sensitivity, visual acuity, or refraction.