title: Contrast sensitivity in a dynamic environment: effects of target conditions and visual impairment
abstract: Contrast sensitivity was determined as a function of target velocity (0 degrees -120 degrees /s) over a variety of viewing conditions. In Experiment 1, measurements of dynamic contrast sensitivity were determined for observers as a function of target velocity for letter stimuli. Significant main effects were found for target velocity, target size, and target duration, but significant interactions among the variables indicated especially pronounced adverse effects of increasing target velocity for small targets and brief durations. In Experiment 2, the effects of simulated cataracts were determined. Although the simulated impairment had no effect on traditional acuity scores, dynamic contrast sensitivity was markedly reduced. Results are discussed in terms of dynamic contrast sensitivity as a useful composite measure of visual functioning that may provide a better overall picture of an individual's visual functioning than does traditional static acuity, dynamic acuity, or contrast sensitivity alone. The measure of dynamic contrast sensitivity may increase understanding of the practical effects of various conditions, such as aging or disease, on the visual system, or it may allow improved prediction of individuals' performance in visually dynamic situations
keyphrases: contrast sensitivity dynamic environment target conditions visual impairment target velocity dynamic contrast sensitivity target size target duration acuity scores aging disease