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Contrast Sensitivity - An Overview

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Contrast sensitivity between the two eyes decides binocular contrast sensitivity. This article will further discuss it.

Medically reviewed byDr. Asha Juliet Barboza
Published At December 30, 2022
Reviewed AtFebruary 7, 2023

What Is Contrast Sensitivity?

Contrast sensitivity is the ability to visualize small objects with precision and sharpness. Moreover, contrast sensitivity is the ability to differentiate between different shades and patterns. Also, contrast sensitivity aids in the identification of objects through their contrasting background. On the other hand, visual acuity is the measurement of objects from a distance. For instance, while reading a chart during an eye examination, visual acuity is tested with the help of a contrast test. In some cases, it is possible to have normal visual acuity with decreased contrast sensitivity.

Contrast sensitivity is an essential feature of vision that is used in daily life. For instance, while the person is driving during the night time or in a foggy atmosphere, good contrast sensitivity can help him drive smoothly. It can protect their vision from all the glares or low light of the road. Additionally, it is proven that contrast sensitivity is the best predictor of vision than visual acuity.

What Is Normal Contrast Sensitivity?

A person’s contrast sensitivity is measured by log contrast, which decides the ability of a person to see objects, shades, or patterns. If a person has a score of 2.0, it suggests normal contrast sensitivity. However, a score less than 1.5 suggests visual impairment, and a score less than 1.0 suggests visual disability of a person.

Which Are the Refractive Errors Affecting Contrast Sensitivity?

There are the following types of refractive errors affecting contrast sensitivity:

  • Astigmatism: Astigmatism is the common refractive error that affects the distant and near vision of the eyes. Moreover, this complication can also cause contrast sensitivity in severe cases.

  • Myopia: Myopia is the refractive error of the eyes where a person can see nearly located objects. However, a person faces difficulty in seeing objects located at a distance. A person can feel blurred vision for distant objects along with lower contrast sensitivity.

  • Hyperopia: Hyperopia is the condition where a person faces difficulty in seeing nearby objects. However, with this condition, a person might not have difficulty seeing distant objects, but the contrast sensitivity is affected at some level.

  • Presbyopia: It is an age-related refractive error that affects nearsightedness. This condition is usually seen in a person above 40 years of age, which gradually increases in severity along with decreased contrast sensitivity.

  • Glaucoma: Glaucoma is an eye condition where the optic nerve of the eye is affected. The optic nerve plays an essential role in passing signals to the brain about color, contrast, and brightness. In contrast, any damage to this nerve can create many complications related to vision, including contrast sensitivity problems.

  • Cataracts: Cataracts are a very common refractive error seen with increasing age. The condition causes cloudy and yellow formations inside the natural lens. It is very common to see a person with cataracts having a good to normal visual acuity. However, the decreased contrast sensitivity of this person might affect normal vision. Especially in the case where a person has to drive during night time, glare from another car’s light might cause vision-related issues.

  • Amblyopia: Amblyopia is also known as lazy eye syndrome., where a person has many vision-related complications due to abnormally developed eyes. One of the complications is decreased contrast sensitivity.

  • Age-related degeneration: Age-related degeneration is also known as macular degeneration. The macula is a thin lining of tissue covering the back of the eye, which is responsible for seeing details such as text in the newspaper. When a person faces degeneration of the macula due to age, it causes a myriad of vision problems.

What Are the Situations That Require Contrast Sensitivity?

The following are the very common situation that requires contrast sensitivity:

  • Driving: While driving during fog or rain, contrast sensitivity is very much required to have a proper vision and estimation of objects.

  • Locating Objects: If a person has to check or locate different objects in a similar background, contrast sensitivity is very much required.

  • Reading: If a person is reading books or newspapers with very light or poor contrasting backgrounds, having good contrast sensitivity can be very helpful.

  • Climbing or Walking: A good contrast sensitivity can help while climbing steps or walking on curbs.

  • Recognizing Facial Features: Contrast sensitivity can help recognize different facial features on the face.

What Are the Symptoms of Reduced Contrast Sensitivity?

The following are the signs and symptoms associated with reduced contrast sensitivity:

  • Reduced vision or vision problems while driving at night time.

  • While climbing steps or walking on curbs, a person faces difficulties.

  • If a person is facing issues while reading the newspaper or watching television.

What Are the Types of Contrast Sensitivity?

Depending on the association with eyes, there are the following types of contrast sensitivity:

  • Binocular Contrast Sensitivity: It is the contrast sensitivity related to the difference between the two eyes.

  • Mononuclear Contrast Sensitivity: Mononuclear contrast sensitivity is related to only one eye.

How to Manage Binocular Contrast Sensitivity?

The binocular contrast sensitivity can be managed by managing the complications related to eyes that affect the contrasting sensitivity, which is the following:

  • If a person is facing contrast sensitivity due to cataracts, the cataracts surgery can significantly improve it.

  • In patients with glaucoma, there is no permanent cure. However, there are some management options, such as eye drops, to relieve eye pressure. This can also improve contrast sensitivity.

  • In the cases of age-related degeneration or macular degeneration, there are two options. If it is a wet macular degeneration, it can be treated with the administration of Aflibercept drug in the eye, which improves the contrast sensitivity too. However, there is no cure for dry macular degeneration, but it can be managed with vitamin supplements.

  • Using yellow-colored tinted glasses can also improve contrast sensitivity. However, it is of no use while driving at night. It is recommended to take the advice of an ophthalmologist to suggest proper lenses for night vision.

Conclusion:

Binocular contrast sensitivity is a symptom related to many refractive errors. It might be naturally related to age-related degeneration or can be the side effect of other complications. If a person has this vision-related complication, it is advisable to see their ophthalmologist for suggestive treatment or management options.

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Frequently Asked Questions

A person’s ability to see low-contrast images in real life is called contrast sensitivity. For example, a traffic sign on a dark road, understanding the size of a stair at night, or a pot in a dimly lit room can be examples. It is the ability to define minute changes in shadings and patterns. It is the ability to perceive clear outlines of very small objects.
A Vistech chart is used to check contrast sensitivity. It has sine wave gratings and is used three meters away from the patient. Contrast is tested at various spatial frequencies. The patient is asked to identify the direction of the grating.
The normal score for contrast sensitivity is 2. However, it can range from 1.52 to 1.72 in people older than sixty. A score of 1.72 to 1.92 is considered normal for those under sixty. Contrast sensitivity might be required in many daily chores, like driving at night.
The size of the pupil can influence the contrast sensitivity. Changes in pupil size can influence contrast sensitivity negatively on either end of the spectrum. Conditions like glaucoma (a condition affecting the optic nerve due to increased pressure), cataracts (clouding in the lens of the eye), age-related macular degeneration, myopia (inability to see far objects), and optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve) can affect contrast sensitivity.
A yellow-filtered glass is said to help with low contrast sensitivity. It reduces the intensity of light entering the eye. This helps to increase the contrast of the object. This is especially useful in foggy or misty conditions.
There are two types of contrast sensitivity. They are temporal and spatial. The ability to identify a small object and the background around it is termed contrast sensitivity. The size of the pupil can influence the contrast sensitivity.
The ability to identify a small object far away in a dark light is called contrast sensitivity. It helps in identifying objects without a clear outline. It also helps to know the object from its background. 
A contrast of about sixty to seventy percent generally benefits the eye. When color combinations are considered, a combination of black and white is considered best for the eye. Low-contrast backgrounds should be avoided. 
Yes, a low contrast affects the quality of vision.  Some conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, myopia, and optic neuritis can reduce contrast sensitivity. The size of the pupil can influence the contrast sensitivity.
Dry eyes can be sensitive to light. Hence, even performing daily chores can be a Herculean task. The eye may appear red, have a burning sensation, or be itchy. It can reduce contrast sensitivity.
Studies show that age-related decline in contrast sensitivity occurs as retinal and neural changes occur. It starts affecting the high spatial frequencies initially. It then gradually progresses to the lower frequencies.
As contrast sensitivity increases, the latitude of the radiograph reduces. The latitude of the radiograph refers to the thickness of the material that can be imaged. This shows that many areas of the different thicknesses can be seen in the radiograph.
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Dr. Asha Juliet Barboza from iCliniq
Dr. Asha Juliet Barboza

Ophthalmology (Eye Care)

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