Quantitative Contrast Sensitivity Function and the Effect of Aging in Healthy Adult Eyes: A Normative Database

Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2024 Apr;55(4):212-219. doi: 10.3928/23258160-20240124-01. Epub 2024 Feb 1.

Abstract

Background and objective: We sought to establish normative quantitative contrast sensitivity function (qCSF) values in healthy adult eyes and investigate the effect of age on qCSF.

Patients and methods: Healthy eyes underwent qCSF testing (adaptive sensory technology) and Snellen's visual acuity (VA). Descriptive statistics and mixed-effects multivariable linear regressions were evaluated.

Results: A total of 334 eyes (290 patients) with median age 61 years (range 21 to 88) had qCSF values as follows: area under the log contrast sensitivity function curve: 1.18; contrast acuity: 1.32; contrast sensitivity (CS) at 1 cycle per degree (cpd): 1.32; CS at 1.5 cpd: 1.37; CS at 3 cpd: 1.38; CS at 6 cpd: 1.20; CS at 12 cpd: 0.69; CS at 18 cpd: 0.22. Linear reductions in qCSF values per decade of age ranged from -0.02 to -0.07 vs 0.01 for visual acuity (VA). Age had a greater effect on the majority of qCSF values than VA (beta standardized regression coefficient ranged from -0.309 to -0.141 for qCSF values vs 0.177 for VA).

Conclusions: We herein establish a normative database for qCSF and quantify the effect of age on qCSF values, adding evidence towards the validation of qCSF as a clinical endpoint. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2024;55:212-219.].

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging* / physiology
  • Contrast Sensitivity* / physiology
  • Databases, Factual
  • Female
  • Healthy Volunteers
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Reference Values
  • Visual Acuity* / physiology
  • Young Adult