System for Controlled Presentation of the Arden Contrast Sensitivity Test.

摘要

The visual detection of differences in brightness, also called contrast sensitivity, has been increasingly recognized in recent years as a phenomenon of potentially great significance both for explaining the visual perception process and for diagnosing visual disorders. The contrast sensitivity function (CSF) is generally recognized as a useful index of the process, and is considered to be based mainly on detection of spatial frequencies contained in the luminance contrast patterns of visual stimuli striking the retina. The Arden test of contrast sensitivity has been recognized as a simple and easily administered technique for measurement of this process. However, the customary method of administration of this test involves manual manipulation and considerable individual subjectivity. The instrument described in this report was designed and developed to minimize variability in the testing procedure due to differences in individual testing techniques, and to standardize testing conditions, ambient illumination, viewing distance and rates of presentation. The CSF can provide information about the status of the human visual system which cannot be obtained from visual acuity measurements.