The effect of cataract on colour vision
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Cohort study to quantify the effect of cataract on colour vision measurements using the Cambridge Colour Test
IRAS ID
219829
Contact name
Sher Aslam
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Heather House
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 1 days
Research summary
Cataract is the leading cause of blindness in the world. A cataract is clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye that causes partial or total blindness. Modern microsurgical technique allows intervention for cataract, preventing long- term visual loss. Normal vision typically is restored with clear intraocular lens implantation. The development of cataract is usually a progressive process that is highly variable among individuals. Cataract formation typically is bilateral, although it is often asymmetrical. Patients usually complain of a problem with night driving, reading road signs, glare or difficulty with fine print.
Given that patients often report cataract removal results in the perception of brighter colours and whiter whites, we hope to formally assess whether colour vision improves for the first time and quantify to what extent this occurs. Measuring the outcomes of cataract surgery has become even more important with the adoption of new surgical techniques, such as vitrectomy in younger patients, and other novel therapies. A more holistic understanding of outcome measures is required. In measuring and quantifying colour vision changes, we will be able to use this outcome measure to compare the efficacy of new treatments as well as validating patient experiences.
We will be using a computerised test called the Cambridge Colour Test (CCT) in order to measure colour discrimination. CCT will be used to compare vision before and after cataract surgery. The CCT has been used in a variety of clinical studies and provides more information than the traditional colour arrangement tests. As a computer-controlled test, the CCT allows precise control over chromaticity parameters of the figure and the background and a staircase psychophysical procedure for estimating discrimination thresholds. This ensures a quantitative outcome that is sensitive to individual differences in normal colour vision but also distinguishes anomalous colour observers and their chromatic sensitivities.
REC name
West Midlands - South Birmingham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/WM/0359
Date of REC Opinion
12 Oct 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion