Sj. Leat et Gc. Woo, THE VALIDITY OF CURRENT CLINICAL-TESTS OF CONTRAST SENSITIVITY AND THEIR ABILITY TO PREDICT READING SPEED IN LOW-VISION, Eye, 11, 1997, pp. 893-899
Purpose: Contrast sensitivity (CS) testing using chart tests of CS is
becoming increasingly common in low vision assessment, Yet we know lit
tle about the validity of these charts, i.e. which region of the spati
al frequency spectrum is being measured. In this study we aimed to det
ermine the validity of currently available CS charts by comparison aga
inst oscilloscope-based CS. We also determined their relative ability
to predict reading speed. Methods: CS was measured with five commercia
lly available charts and the contrast sensitivity function was determi
ned with sinusoidal gratings presented on a Joyce screen using a two-a
lternative forced choice staircase technique in 36 observers with low
vision and 3 with normal vision. Reading rate was also measured with t
he subject reading with his or her own optical low vision aid. Results
: The results show that the Pelli-Robson chart and the Cambridge grati
ngs are good measures of medium to Low spatial frequencies, as would b
e predicted from their design, while the Regan and UW charts correlate
d with medium to high frequencies. The Vistech chart was a good predic
tor of CS at each spatial frequency. Conclusions: The best chart test
of CS depends on which region of the CS curve is of interest. All the
charts were good predictors of reading rate.