contrast sensitivity

con·trast sen·si·tiv·i·ty

in optics, the ability to discern the difference in brightness of adjacent areas; in radiology, allergic reaction to iodinated radiographic contrast medium.

contrast sensitivity

The ability to distinguish objects from the background in which they are located. It is a critical component of functionally adequate vision.

sensitivity, contrast

The ability to detect luminance contrast. In psychophysical terms it is the reciprocal of the minimum perceptible contrast. The measurement of the contrast sensitivity of the eye is a more complete assessment of vision than standard visual acuity measurement. It provides an evaluation of the detection of objects (usually sinusoidal gratings) of varying spatial frequencies and of variable contrast and thus obtaining a contrast sensitivity function (CSF). Example: following amblyopia treatment, some cases still have the same visual acuity while the CSF is improved. See contrast sensitivity chart; contrast sensitivity function; spurious resolution; Arden grating test; Vistech.

Table S1 Relationship between contrast sensitivity and contrast threshold (contrast sensitivity = 1/contrast threshold). Neither values have units
		contrast threshold
contrast sensitivity	log₁₀ contrast sensitivity	decimal	%
1000	3.00	0.001	0.1
100	2.00	0.01	1
20	1.30	0.05	5
10.00	1.00	0.1	10
5.00	0.70	0.2	20
3.33	0.52	0.3	30
2.50	0.40	0.4	40
2.00	0.30	0.5	50
1.67	0.22	0.6	60
1.43	0.15	0.7	70
1.25	0.10	0.8	80
1.11	0.05	0.9	90
1.00	0.00	1	100

References in periodicals archive ?

The correlations of neuroticism with near visual acuity, distance visual acuity, and contrast sensitivity were all not significant ([less than or equal to] 0.

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Considering the important effect of various colors of sunglasses on visual performance, this study was aimed to evaluate the effect of different colors of sun glasses on visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, stereopsis and color vision.

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The matter of contrast sensitivity changes through normal aging has been the object of psychophysical research for decades now.

Differential effects of aging on spatial contrast sensitivity to linear and polar sine-wave gratings

Low vision often causes decreased contrast sensitivity as well as reduced resolution, making it more difficult to see low-contrast images on SVD devices.

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Contrast sensitivity was tested, when possible, with the SZB-LCS-Test using Landolt rings.

Prevalence of visual impairments in adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities in a sheltered workshop in Germany

2002) reported significantly lower visual contrast sensitivity (VCS) in apartment residents exposed to tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene, or perc) compared to unexposed "matched" control subjects.

Update of residential tetrachloroethylene exposure and decreases in visual contrast sensitivity

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AOP vice-president David Whitaker (pictured), from the University of Bradford, for 'Evaluation of a simple test for measuring contrast sensitivity and glare'

College commits 200k [pounds sterling] to research

To assess the contrast sensitivity of the eye, sinusoidal luminance tests patterns are used, and contrast is defined by the amplitude of the sinusoidal variation divided by the average luminance--the modulation.

A study of multifunctional document centers that are accessible to people who are visually impaired

7)--but had little effect on four others: symbol digit latency, vibrotactile threshold, visual contrast sensitivity, and grip strength.

Neurobehavioral performance and work experience in Florida farmworkers

The lens also showed significantly less incidence of moderate to severe halos and glare, and better quality of vision as measured by contrast sensitivity.

Randomized, Controlled, Double-Masked Clinical Trial of Synchrony(R) Accommodating IOL Demonstrates Positive Impact of True Accommodation on Patient Outcomes