Visual Performance on the Small Letter Contrast Test: Effects of Aging, Low Luminance and Refractive Error

Abstract

In this study the visual performance of aviators and a myopic, non-aviator group were compared to determine the effects of aging, available light and refractive error. The chart used is a novel chart called the Small Letter Contrast Test (SLCT) which measures sensitivity to contrast at the moderate to high end of the spatial frequency range near the visual acuity thresholds of most normal observers. All three variables influence visual performance on the SLCT, age having a greater effect on low luminance performance and refractive error having comparable effects on SLCT performance regardless of luminance level. High contrast visual acuity remains fairly stable and normal over the age range tested; however it decreases with increasing refractive error.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 2000
Accession Number
ADP010581

Entities

People

  • Corina Van De Pol
  • Jeff Rabin

Organizations

  • United States Army Aeromedical Research Lab

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Army Aviation
  • Collision Avoidance
  • Contrast
  • Detection
  • Equations
  • Eye Diseases
  • Luminance
  • Perception
  • Research Facilities
  • Sensitivity
  • Standards
  • Target Detection
  • Technical Information Centers
  • Visual Acuity

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science / Meteorology, specifically Wind Wave Turbulence.
  • Circadian Sleep-Wake Regulation and Chronobiology