Importance of assessing contrast sensitivity in optometric practice

Abstract

The evaluation of the visual human function includes the visual acuity, field of vision and sensibility to the contrast, this test can be used as test of routine when the achievements of the patient do not reach the results we have been waiting for. The development of the sensibility to the contrast in children has an important ripeness during the first 3 months of age, towards the majority of the spatial frequencies, a function of sensibility is achieved to the comparable contrast with that of the adult about 6 months of age. Though the sensibility to the contrast (SC) can have a relative value for screening and diagnosis, one recommends doing it as part of the functional valuation, specially, in the valor in patients of low vision or multiple disabilities and SC’s test designed for them. The SC they give us an useful information, revealing some conditions in the losses of vision are identifiable across the test of visual acuity (AV), providing a method for with monitoring treatment and a better understanding of the interpretation of the visual problems found in patients with alteration of the vision (Owsley, 2003)