Contrast sensitivity measurement for evaluating vitreoretinal intervention in diabetic retinopathy. A literature review

Traditional methods for assessing postoperative visual function in patients with retinal diseases do not fully reflect current clinical requirements. Visual function is a multi-component process that includes the perception, analysis, and subsequent interpretation of visual stimuli. In ophthalmological practice today, the primary criterion for successful treatment of pathologies of the vitreoretinal interface remains best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). However, accumulated clinical experience and numerous patient complaints about reduced quality of vision in everyday conditions indicate the need for a more in-depth and objective analysis of the visual system. For a comprehensive assessment of the functional state of the eye, it is recommended to consider additional parameters such as contrast sensitivity (CS), microperimetry, and optical aberrations, which allow for the evaluation of visual quality under different lighting conditions and image contrast. This literature review is dedicated to summarizing and analyzing current data concerning changes in contrast sensitivity and optical aberrations in patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) both before and after surgical intervention, depending on the extent of vitrectomy performed. The obtained information can serve as a basis for further research and contribute to the development of standards for assessing visual functions, particularly contrast sensitivity.