AIM: To observe the changes in contrast sensitivity(CS)between emmetropic pilots, glasses wearing, and after laser in situ keratomileuses(LASIK)surgery pilots, provide the basis for the physical examination standard after operation.

METHODS: The CS of 13 emmetropic pilots(26 eyes), 12 glasses wearing pilots(24 eyes)and 10 with LASIK(20 eyes), under photopic, scotopic and scotopic with glare environments at four different spatial frequencies(3, 6, 12 and 18cpd)were measured and the resluts were analyzed by statistics.

RESULTS: Under photopic environments, there was no significant difference in the low spatial frequency(3cpd)among the three groups(P>0.05). The CS of emmetropic pilots was better than that of the myopic and with LASIK, and there was significant difference(P<0.05). There was no significant difference in CS between myopic and with LASIK(P>0.05). Under scotopic environments, there was no significant difference in the low spatial frequency(3cpd)among the three groups(P>0.05). The CS of emmetropic and with LASIK pilots were better than that of the myopic, and there was significant difference(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in CS between emmetropic and with LASIK(P>0.05). Under scotopic with glare environments, the CS of emmetropic and myopic pilots were better than that of the with LASIK, and there was significant difference(P<0.05). There was no significant difference in CS between myopic and with LASIK(P>0.05).

CONCLUSION: The CS after LASIK is decreased compare with emmetropic pilot, specially under scotopic with glare environments. A perfect identification standard should be set up.