Relationship of Contrast Sensitivity Measured Using Quick Contrast Sensitivity Function With Other Visual Functions in a Low Vision Population

PURPOSE: Contrast sensitivity (CS) is predictive of various aspects of an individual's functional vision, such as recognizing faces and driving. Currently available CS charts are limited in terms of the spatial frequencies they can test and/or the contrast resolution of the targets they present. The traditional methods for measuring full CS functions (CSFs) are time consuming. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of using the quick CSF method in a low vision population and to assess the relationships of CS with other visual functions, which can contribute to the understanding of the functional vision. METHODS: Static visual acuity, dynamic visual acuity, CS, global motion perception thresholds, and visual field were measured binocularly in 53 individuals with low vision. The number of participants who could complete each assessment was used to assess feasibility. The relationships between CS and other visual functions were assessed using linear regressions and multiple regressions. RESULTS: The quick CSF was quantifiable in 34 participants of the 42 with quantifiable visual acuities. The area under the log CSF—the summary statistic of CSF—was significantly correlated with static visual acuity and dynamic visual acuity (r = −0.79 and r = −0.63, respectively; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The qCSF is capable of measuring CS in a wide range of visual impairment severities. area under the log CSF only correlates with measures of visual acuity.