Journal of Health Science and Medical Research

Reviewer Acknowledgement, 2024

Surasak Sangkhathat — 2024-11-07

The Short-Term Effect of Caffeine Consumption on Reading Performance

Alia Natasha Nazarudin — 2024-11-07

Objective: Caffeine, a widely consumed psychoactive substance, is recognized for its cognitive-enhancing effects, notably enhancing performance on tasks requiring narrative comprehension, where it has been shown to boost both acuity and speed. This study investigates the impact of caffeine intake on reading acuity and evaluates changes in reading speed post-caffeine consumption.
Material and Methods: Employing a cross-sectional design, nineteen participants with distance best-corrected vision of 6/6 or better (equivalent to logMAR 0.00 or better) (mean age=22.5±1.00 years old) and near vision of 0.1 logMAR (N5) were recruited. Baseline measurements of reading acuity and speed were taken using the article sourced from Perpustakaan Tun Abdul Razak (PTAR) and Buari-Chen Malay Reading Chart (BCMRC) before coffee consumption, respectively. Participants consumed 200 mg of Nescafe Gold (caffeine) before the subsequent assessment. The time taken to read the reading materials was recorded, alongside any errors.
Results: While reading speed significantly increased post-caffeine consumption (t=-7.536, p-value<0.001), reading acuity remained unaffected (t=-0.378, p-value=0.705). These results suggest a moderate dose of 200 mg of caffeine can enhance reading speed without compromising acuity in young adults.
Conclusion: This indicates that caffeine mainly affects the rate of reading, while it does not alter the reading acuity of individuals.

The Effect of Display Polarity on Reading Speed and Reading Error Among Young Adults

Nurulain Muhamad — 2024-11-07

Objective: The widespread adoption of digital devices has surged, particularly since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Nearly everyone now owns devices like laptops, tablets, or smartphones, offering options for light mode (positive polarity) and dark mode (negative polarity) to suit individual preferences. This study examines how display polarity affects reading performance among young adults.
Material and Methods: Thirty participants engaged in a 15-minute reading task on a laptop with randomly assigned display polarities, followed by a 15-minute break before repeating the task.
Results: Reading speed, measured in words per minute (wpm), differed significantly between polarities, with negative polarity yielding higher speeds (136.27±25.58 wpm) compared to positive polarity (128.42±19.98 wpm), Z=-2.355, p-value<0.05. However, no significant polarity-related differences were found in reading errors, including mispronunciation (p-value=0.193) or omission (p-value=0.113).
Conclusion: Negative polarity displays enhanced reading performance by increasing reading speed; while reading errors remained unaffected.

Changes in Intraocular Pressure While Using Electronic Devices in Sitting and Supine Positions

Fatin Nur Najwa Norazman — 2024-11-07

Objective: This study aimed to compare intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements in sitting and supine positions while exposed to electronic devices.
Material and Methods: A total of 26 participants (52 eyes) had their IOP measured by Keeler Pulairs tonometer in sitting and supine positions both before and after using a mobile phone. The IOP was initially measured while sitting, followed by 2 minutes in a supine position. The IOP was then measured again after watching the movie for 30 minutes in each position under daylight conditions. Postural IOP changes due to exposure to electronic devices were measured and compared.
Results: The IOP exhibited a statistically significant increase (p-value<0.05) in the supine position compared to the sitting position, both before and after exposure to the electronic device. Following a 30-minute period of exposure, the IOP was significantly reduced by 0.7 mmHg in the sitting position (from 12.7 mmHg to 12.0 mmHg, p-value<0.05). However, there were no significant differences observed in the supine position (13.3 mmHg versus 13.3 mmHg, p-value>0.05).
Conclusion: Different postural positions have an effect on IOP, as IOP is higher in the supine position than in the seated position. There was a decline in the IOP after 30 minutes of exposure in the sitting position. However, there are no changes in IOP that occur in the supine position. These findings suggest a potential link between mobile phone usage and postural changes in IOP, which could have implications for ocular health in individuals who frequently use mobile devices.

Comparative Analysis of Blink Rates During Printed and On-Screen Reading Across Varying Screen Sizes

Syed Ismail Sharifah-Aimi — 2024-11-07

Objective: To compare the blink rates during resting periods and while engaging in printed and on-screen reading across different digital screen dimensions.
Material and Methods: This study involved thirty-two university students with normal vision, who were recorded during a 3-minute conversation to establish baseline blink rates and subsequently during four reading conditions. Participants read four passages under different conditions: printed text, smartphone, tablet, and computer screens. Video recordings were then analysed to quantify blink rates (blinks per minute, bpm) for each condition.
Results: Blink rates significantly decreased in all reading scenarios compared to the baseline resting condition (p-value<0.05). Analysis via repeated measures ANOVA demonstrated significant differences in blink rates across all reading conditions (p-value<0.01). Pairwise comparisons revealed that blink rates during smartphone reading were notably lower than printed text, tablets, and computers (p-value<0.05). Conversely, blink rates exhibited no significant differences between printed text and tablet, printed text and computer, and computer and tablet readings (p-value>0.05).
Conclusion: The study reveals a consistent decrease in blink rates during various reading conditions with different digital screens compared to resting states, highlighting the influence of visual engagement on ocular behaviour. Reading with a smartphone has decreased blink rates, which may affect eye health and device use. Understanding these dynamics
can guide ergonomic design to reduce visual discomfort from digital screen use, supporting healthy reading habits in the digital age.

Challenges and Barriers to Utilizing Eye Care Services Among Urban Population Globally: A Scoping Review

Nur Suhailah Alias — 2024-11-07

Objective: Eye health is crucial for overall well-being, relying on eye care services for the prevention and treatment of vision disorders. Increasing blindness rates underscore the need for early detection. Despite known urban-rural disparities in eye care utilization, urban challenges are underexplored. This scoping review summarized and determined the challenges and barriers to utilizing eye care services specifications in urban populations globally
Material and Methods: A search was conducted on multiple databases such as Scopus, ScienceDirect, WOS, PubMed, and Google Scholar, covering the period of 2000 to 2023. The criteria were selected based on the PRISMA statements. The search focuses on challenges and barriers in utilizing eye care services.
Results: The search identified 464 studies, and 18 were included in the final review. Person-related and service-related barriers can be distinguished from the review. The most common challenges were lack of felt need the eye care services and cost. Person-related barriers were found to be higher compared to service-related barriers among urban populations.
Conclusion: The scoping review highlights significant person-related and service-related barriers to utilizing eye care services in urban populations globally. Despite the availability of services, person-related barriers were more pronounced, indicating a critical need for targeted interventions. Addressing these barriers is essential to enhance eye care services and reduce the prevalence of vision disorders in urban settings.

Conjunctival and Corneal Endothelium Profile in a Sample of Healthy Electronic Cigarette Smokers

F Hanis Samsuddin — 2024-11-07

Objective: Though e-cigarette is thought of as a healthy alternative way of smoking, the unknown nicotine concentration level and chemical compounds from the aerosol mist and flavourings are potentially harmful and may exert irritation or damage to the ocular surface. Thus, a cross-sectional study was conducted to identify the conjunctival and corneal endothelium profile among healthy e-cigarette smokers, and the relationship between smoking behaviour with the conjunctival and corneal endothelium profile.
Material and Methods: Seventeen healthy e-cigarette smokers and 17 non-smokers were recruited for this study where their palpebral redness, bulbar redness, limbal redness, conjunctival roughness, central corneal thickness, endothelial cell density, and coefficient of variation of endothelium cell area were assessed using slit lamp biomicroscope and specular microscope.
Results: There was a non-significant, higher mean rank observed in the total palpebral redness, total bulbar redness, total limbal redness, total conjunctival roughness, central corneal thickness, endothelial cell density, and coefficient of variation of the endothelium cell area in e-cigarette smokers compared to non-smokers (p-value>0.05). Only smoking frequency and total palpebral redness showed a statistically significant, positive, and fair correlation (r=0.349, p-value=0.043), while no other smoking behaviour showed a significant correlation (p-value<0.05).
Conclusion: The use of e-cigarettes showed no significant impact on the conjunctival and corneal profile among the users, but further research with comprehensive evaluation is required in a larger sample size of more established e-cigarette smoking profiles.

The Effectiveness of E>Eye Intense Regulated Pulse Light Therapy in Treating Evaporative Dry Eye Disease among Southeast Asian Patients

Sabrina Subri — 2024-11-07

Objective: Since the effectiveness of E>Eye Intense Regulated Pulsed Light (IRPL) therapy in treating evaporative dry eye condition caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) has not been reported among the Southeast Asian population, this study aimed to retrospectively report the effectiveness of this treatment in addressing evaporative dry eye due to MGD among this population using Tear Check analyzer after three consecutive treatments.
Material and Methods: This is a retrospective study involving 71 male and 107 female patients, aged between 28 and 83 with complaints of dry eye symptoms accompanied by clinical signs of MGD who have been treated with E>Eye IRPL. All patients were treated with IRPL in three consecutive treatments where five overlapping flashes of light were administered on the lower lid and temporal part of each eye on day 1, 15, and 45. Improvement in lower meibomian gland loss, Tear Film Stability Evaluation (TFSE), and non-invasive breakup time (NIBUT) were assessed using the Tear Check analyzer at baseline and after the third treatment session.
Results: Repeated-measure ANOVA showed that the percentage of lower meibomian gland loss and TFSE score significantly improved post-treatment, indicating recovery of the meibomian gland and improved tear stability. McNemar Change Test also showed that the percentage of patients having NIBUT of lower than 6 seconds has significantly reduced post-treatment.
Conclusion: E>Eye IRPL treatment is effective in evaporative dry eye disease caused by MGD among Southeast Asian patients after three consecutive treatments by restoring meibomian gland and tear stability post-treatment.

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and OCT Angiography (OCTA) Biomarkers for Diabetic Retinopathy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Scoping Review

Abdallah Naqaweh — 2024-11-07

Objective: This scoping review aims to identify the biomarkers of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) for the assessment of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients.
Material and Methods: A search was conducted on multiple databases, including Scopus, ScienceDirect, WOS, and PubMed, spanning from 2015 to 2023. The criteria were selected based on the PRISMA guidelines. The search focuses on the macular OCT and OCTA biomarkers.
Results: The search identified 114 studies, and 20 were included in the final review. OCT findings demonstrated a reduction in the thickness of retinal layers, mainly the ganglion cell layer (GCL) and inner plexiform layer (IPL), correlating inversely with the diabetes duration. OCTA enables precise assessment of retinal vascular changes, such as the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area and vessel density (VD), indicating DR severity. Increased FAZ area was observed in proliferative DR (PDR), and decreased VD impacted visual acuity. Other parameters (FAZ shape, circularity index, paracentral interpapillary area, fractal dimension, vessel length density, and perfusion density) are also altered in diabetic eyes. OCTA of the choriocapillaris studies reveals increased flow voids in PDR patients.
Conclusion: The scoping review underscores the potential application of OCT and OCTA in deciphering DR pathophysiology and highlights novel biomarkers for its detection and diagnosis. Nevertheless, longitudinal studies are warranted to validate its clinical utility. This review emphasizes the importance of advancing OCT/OCTA technology to enhance DR assessment, and ultimately improve patient care.

Visual Status in Children with Dyslexia at the Integrated Special Education Program in Selangor, Malaysia

Suhaida Shahudin — 2024-11-07

Objective: Dyslexia is a learning disorder, characterized by difficulties in recognizing, decoding, and spelling words. Studies on visual status of individuals with dyslexia have yielded mixed findings. This study aimed to assess visual acuity and refractive errors in dyslexic children in Selangor, Malaysia.
Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the integrated special education program (PPKI) for secondary schools across three randomly selected districts in Selangor. Children with dyslexia from 15 schools were enrolled. Distance and near visual acuity were measured, and non-cycloplegic refraction was performed to identify refractive errors. Descriptive analysis was used to describe the distribution of visual acuity and refractive errors. The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test was used to compare habitual and corrected visual acuity (VA).
Results: 137 dyslexic children, aged 13 to 19 years, participated in the study. 60% of the participants had good habitual distance VA. Meanwhile, the percentage of good habitual near VA were higher than distance VA. The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test showed that corrected VA was significantly better than habitual VA. The most common ametropias observed were myopia and astigmatism.
Conclusion: Dyslexic children in the PPKI program generally have good visual acuity and are emmetropic. However, uncorrected refractive error and suboptimal optical refraction were the primary causes of unsatisfactory habitual vision in some children. Findings highlight the need to screen for refractive errors and provide appropriate optical correction to this population to prevent further hindrance to their reading ability.

Knowledge of Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) in Children among Eye Care Professionals in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Wan Nur Amirah Ibrahim — 2024-11-07

Objective: Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI), a brain-based visual disorder that affects neural networks that process incoming visual information throughout the brain, poses challenges in diagnosis and managing visual impairment in children. With the prevalence rise in CVI cases among children, there is a growing demand for ophthalmologists and optometrists to address these conditions, emphasising the importance of improving knowledge and awareness for better visual rehabilitation. This study intends to quantify the level of understanding of CVI in children among eye care professionals in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Material and Methods: Two hundred thirty registered eye care professionals, including ophthalmologists and optometrists across Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, participated in this cross-sectional web-based survey. A standardised questionnaire was created through Google Forms and distributed via social media platforms between April and June 2022.
Results: The finding showed that the eye care professionals have significantly basic knowledge regarding CVI in children (x²=369; df=2; p-value≤0.01). Most respondents correctly identified variable loss of vision, visual field defects, and abnormal behaviour as clinical features of CVI in children. Additionally, over half of the respondents selected magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the appropriate investigation choice.
Conclusion: These findings indicate that eye care professionals have basic knowledge and awareness of CVI in children. More research is needed to enhance knowledge and raise awareness about CVI in children among eye-care professionals.

The Impact of Visual Digital Unit Exposure on Ocular Symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome Among Selangor Office Workers

Suneta Atika Halim — 2024-11-07

Objective: Computer Visual Syndrome (CVS) is a common condition characterized by a range of ocular symptoms resulting from excessive screen time. As visual digital unit (VDU) usage has skyrocketed across all age groups, CVS has become a prevalent issue in both personal and professional life. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between the impact of VDU and ocular symptoms of CVS among office workers in Selangor.
Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 46 office workers completed a self-reported Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) assessment using a questionnaire adapted from a previous study. The questionnaire includes 9 questions about ocular symptoms, rated on a 5-point scale: none, slight, moderate, severe, and very severe. Computer screen illumination was measured using a lux meter. To account for potential confounding factors, environmental conditions were also assessed. These included the number and type of light sources, window presence and size, window treatments, lighting fixture placement, and overall workspace cleanliness, following the guidelines on occupational safety and health for working with video display units by the Malaysia Department of Occupational Safety and Health.
Results: Among all participants, the majority (93.5%) did not use anti-glare screen monitors and 20% had inadequate lighting with less than 450 lux. Of the respondents, 63% of the respondents reported experiencing eye strain and eye fatigue (60.9%) during work hours. Eye fatigue was the most commonly reported ocular symptom, with 24% of respondents experiencing it more than six times per week. Lighting reflector was found to be 3.5 times more prevalent to cause eye redness (odds ratio (OR)=3.50; 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.50–24.33). The likelihood of experiencing eye strain due to the absence of an anti-glare was 1.8 times higher and the absence of a lighting reflector increased the likelihood by 1.7 times.
Conclusion: The alarmingly high prevalence of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) among office workers underscores the critical need for immediate and effective ergonomic interventions. This research is imperative to identify specific risk factors and develop targeted strategies to mitigate the detrimental effects of prolonged VDU use on ocular health.

Visual Awareness and Its Impact on Sports Performance of Basketball Players in The Maldives

Adilah MohdAli — 2024-11-07

Objective: This study aimed to assess the visual awareness and its impact on basketball performance among Maldivian basketball players.
Material and Methods: A 16-item questionnaire about visual and ocular problems, perception towards eye health, and sports performance was distributed electronically to basketball players in the Maldives through various basketball organizations. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Chi-Square test in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences.
Results: Eighty two Maldivian basketball players aged between 10-40 years, with sixty males, participated in this study. Data showed that only 30.5% of the respondents wore vision correction when playing basketball, none had undergone any visual training, and 20.7% never had any eye examination.Majority of those who underwent eye examination had more than two years since their last eye check-up. Visual difficulties during games were reported by 41.5% of the respondents, with blurry vision and eye injury being the most commonly reported visual symptom and ocular problem, respectively. Moreover, 70.7% of the players experienced inconsistent performance level and loss of concentration during games. There was a significant relationship between experiencing visual difficulties and inconsistent sports performance χ2 (1, N=82) =5.95, p-value=0.02.
Conclusion: The visual awareness among Maldivian basketball players is generally low and this seems to be associated with their sports performance. Importance of using corrective/protective eyewear and attending regular eye examinations should be cultivated among athletes in the Maldives, aiming to improve the sports field in this country.

The Short-term Effects of Coffee and Caffeine on Intraocular Pressure in Healthy Subjects

Noor Azian Hamdan — 2024-11-07

Objective: Coffee consumption is a prevalent habit with potential implications for ocular health. This study investigated the short-term effect of caffeine in coffee beverages on healthy subjects’ intraocular pressure (IOP).
Material and Methods: Thirty subjects (10 males, 23.40±1.33 years) attended three visits at similar times. During each visit, subjects were asked to ingest either 250 ml of water, 250 ml of caffeinated coffee, or 250 ml of decaffeinated coffee within five minutes. The initial drink set was randomised. IOP was measured before ingestion (baseline) and at 0-, 5-, 10-, 15-, 20-, 30, 45-, and 60 minutes after each beverage consumption. Repeated measures of ANOVA and pairwise analysis were utilised to analyse the IOP difference within and between groups.
Results: Baseline IOP across beverage groups were not significantly different (p-value>0.05). Water and caffeinated coffee groups showed a significant increase in IOP over time (p-value<0.0005), whereas decaffeinated coffee did not (p-value=0.437). The highest IOP values recorded were 16.09±2.41 mmHg for water and 15.22±2.26 mmHg for caffeinated coffee, 10 minutes and 15 minutes post-consumption, respectively. IOP spiked until minute 45 for the caffeinated coffee group but only until minute 20 for the water group. IOP in the water and caffeinated coffee groups returned to baseline levels by minute 30 and 60, respectively.
Conclusion: Caffeinated coffee has a prolonged effect on increasing IOP compared to water. Additionally, low doses of caffeine, such as those found in decaffeinated coffee, may protect against IOP spikes. Further study is needed to investigate the long-term effect of coffee and caffeine consumption on ocular health.

A Study of Luminance and Visual Attention Patterns in Tourist Photography at Fairy Cave Sarawak

Saiful Azlan Rosli — 2024-11-07

Objective: Visual attention involves complex interaction between the cognitive and surrounding environment. Eye movement and light uniformity be the important factor that influence visual attention. Digital photos emit light compared the conventional photos. It would be advantageous to investigate and comprehend the significance of the amount of light that enters the eye, known as luminance. The primary objective of this study was to conduct luminance light and visual attention analysis using scenery images captured from tourist spots located in Fairy Cave, Sarawak.
Material and Methods: There were 3 parts in this study. Part One: convenient sampling was employed to recruit three adults as tourist photographers to capture images at four pre-selected tourist locations in Fairy Cave, Sarawak. Part Two: a total of 17 photographs were chosen from a pool of forty photographs for the purpose of conducting research on the luminance and visual activity. The luminance analysis evaluated the luminosity emitted by the digital display. The luminous properties were assessed using the CA-2500 2D Colour Analyzer manufactured by Konica Minolta in Japan. The brightness profile of the images is obtained by calculating the Michelson luminance. Part Three: the Dikablis eye tracker was utilised to test the visual attention via eye tracking pattern of a sample of thirty-six adults aged 18 to 40 years. The researchers recorded and examined the total amount and duration of the fixation eye movement.
Results: The 3 photographers that were recognised exhibited both similarities and differences in their photographic skills and preferences. Nevertheless, this was not incorporated into our investigation of visible spectrum light. The observed difference in brightness profiles among the images was found to be statistically insignificant (p-value>0.05). Our study on eye-tracking behaviour in adults revealed significant variations in the total number of fixations (p-value<0.05).
Conclusion: Our findings provide valuable insights into the interplay between environmental lighting conditions and visual attention in this unique natural setting. Despite having various angle preferences, layperson photographers appear to engage in the same visible light spectrum. Our study indicates that when investigating preferences using the visual attention component, it is important to consider the total count of fixations. Additional investigation could entail the examination of professional photographers’ photography.

Association between Retinal Morphology and Visual Functions in Eyes with Typical Neovascular Age Related Macular Degeneration: A Pilot Study

Rituparna Ghoshal — 2024-11-07

Objective: The relationship between morphological and visual parameters in age-related macular degeneration may reveal markers for diagnosis and management of this disease. However, there is an insignificant paucity of research reporting any strong correlation between visual and morphological components of typical neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Hence, the objectives of the present pilot research were to assess detailed visual components and various optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters in eyes with typical nAMD, and to determine the association between them.
Material and Methods: Patients identified as naïve nAMD were recruited from a public hospital in Malaysia. Distance visual acuity (DVA), near visual acuity (NVA), reading speed (RS) and contrast sensitivity (CS) were assessed. Several quantitative and qualitative morphological parameters were evaluated, using the spectral-domain OCT.
Results: Fifteen newly diagnosed Typical nAMD eyes were examined. Mean (±standard deviation) DVA, NVA, CS and RS were recorded as: 0.92±0.39, 0.80±0.38, 0.75±0.39, 70.02±14, respectively. Average retinal thickness, central thickness and centre maximum thickness demonstrated good correlation (r≥0.05 with BCVA, NVA and CS. Similarly, the Centre minimum thickness demonstrated a good correlation (r≥0.50) with DVA. An intact external limiting membrane and photoreceptors inner and outer segment showed better visual components.
Conclusion: This present pilot study reported visual components and OCT parameters of Malaysian eyes with Typical nAMD, with some of the OCT parameters showing good correlation with visual components. Thus, regardless of its small sample size, this present pilot study generated new knowledge and understanding in this area. Future research with a larger sample is recommended.

Preventing Practices of Manipulating Accident Data in the Coal Mining Sector Using Mobile Applications in East Kalimantan, Indonesia

Muhammad Sultan — 2024-11-07

Objective: The practice of manipulating data on work accidents and potential hazards still occurs, especially in the coal mining sector. A mobile application for reporting work accidents and potential hazards is required so that data manipulation practices can be prevented.
Material and Methods: The research design used was exploratory, which aimed to introduce and explore the capabilities of the SIKAP mobile application (Information System for Occupational Accidents, Occupational Diseases and Potential Hazards) to prevent data manipulation practices. Researchers involved thirty coal mine workers, using the SIKAP application, which had been tested on three information systems experts using the black box testing method.
Results: Every worker had the opportunity to report work accidents and potential dangers via the SIKAP application on the worker’s account. Companies can receive and follow up on worker reports via the company account. Regional governments in the field of labor development and inspection can monitor reports through government accounts. The SIKAP application is integrated and synchronized between workers, companies and the government.
Conclusion: The SIKAP application is able to prevent the practice of manipulating work accident reporting data and potential hazards in the coal mining sector.

Impact of Keratoconus on Contrast Sensitivity

Law Yih Zhen — 2024-11-07

Objective: Keratoconus (KC) disrupts corneal shape, leading to irregular astigmatism and increased higher-order aberrations (HOA), ultimately affecting visual quality. While visual acuity (VA) remains the standard, its limitations in early KC diagnosis are recognized. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of KC on contrast sensitivity function (CSF), a potentially more sensitive measure of visual performance.
Material and Methods: A case-control design compared CSF in KC patients (n=7) to healthy controls (n=16). All subjects achieved the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 6/9 or better (logMAR ≤0.10). Corneal topography was measured using Tomey TMS-5 to confirm KC diagnosis. CSF was assessed with the Functional Acuity Contrast Test (FACT).
Results: KC eyes exhibited significantly reduced CSF across all spatial frequencies compared to controls (p-value<0.05). Row A of the FACT chart (representing the lowest spatial frequency, 1.5 cpd) demonstrated the most prominent difference (t (21)=-3.073, p-value=0.003).
Conclusion: Our findings reveal that KC patients, despite achieving good BCVA, demonstrate measurable deficits in CSF. This suggests CSF measurement with FACT may be a valuable tool for the early diagnosis and monitoring of KC, potentially offering a more sensitive and comprehensive assessment of visual function compared to BCVA alone.