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Contrast Sensitivity Testing – Visual Contrast Sensitivity – Visual Screening

December 11, 2008 @ 04:09 PM — by unknown
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Contrast is the difference in visual properties that makes it possible to distinguish an object from other objects and their background. Contrast sensitivity is the level of ability to see objects that may or may not be clearly outlined or that do not easily stand out from the background. Contrast sensitivity can decease due to aging, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and other eye conditions.

Vision difficulties of a person with low contrast sensitivity may include:

  • Night vision problems when driving, including difficulty seeing traffic lights and other vehicles on the road
  • Inability to discern facial gestures
  • Not being able to notice spots or marks on clothing, furniture, or dishes
  • Need for additional lighting when reading
  • Getting tired eyes from watching television or movie

In order to determine the amount of contrast sensitivity has been lost, a patient should undergo a contrast sensitivity test. Unlike typical eye tests, which only test the patient's ability to see an object, contrast sensitivity screening tests the variables of size and contrast. The test measures a patient's contrast sensitivity function (CSF) by determining the lowest contrast at which the patient can see a pattern. In most cases, patients best see medium-sized objects at a low contrast and small objects only at a high contrast level.

Contrast sensitivity testing is important because CSF measurements can help detect early stages of diabetes and cataract development. The findings of recent studies suggest an evaluation of contrast sensitivity may help detect early signs of diabetic retinopathy. A low score in contrast sensitivity function in a person with otherwise good vision (20/30 or better) may be an indication of the onset of diabetic retinopathy.

Because vision screenings, including contrast sensitivity testing, can detect various vision defects in their early stages, it is important to regularly get comprehensive eye examinations. Simple tests of reading an eye chart may indicate whether a patient needs glasses, but without additional vision testing, other serious eye problems may go undetected until they reach stages that are difficult to combat.

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