Development of spatial and temporal vision during childhood

Using the method of limits, we measured the development of spatial and temp oral vision beginning at 4 years of age. Participants were adults, and chil dren aged 4, 5, 6, and 7 years (n = 24 per age). Spatial vision was assesse d with vertical sine-wave gratings, and temporal vision was assessed with a n unpatterned luminance held sinusoidally modulated over time. Under these testing conditions, spatial contrast sensitivity at every frequency increas ed by at least 0.5 log units between 4 and 7 years of age, at which point i t was adult-like. Grating acuity reached adult values at 6 years of age. Te mporal vision was more mature: at 4 years of age temporal contrast sensitiv ity at higher temporal frequencies (20 and 30 Hz) and critical flicker fusi on frequency were already adult-like. Sensitivity at lower temporal frequen cies (5 and 10 Hz) increased by 0.25 log units after the age of 4 to reach adult levels at age 7. The results suggest that temporal vision matures mor e rapidly than spatial vision during childhood. Thus, spatial and temporal vision are likely mediated by different underlying neural mechanisms that m ature at different rates. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserve d.