Assessment of Contrast Sensitivity in Age Related Maculopathy Simulation
Tzamouranis Dorotheos-Dimitrios, BSc, MSc; Kakoura Stavroula, BSc, MSc; Karetsos George, BSc, MSc; Chandrinos Aristeidis, BSc, MPhil, PhD.

Abstract
Contrast sensitivity (CS) discriminates objects in low contrast levels, while visual acuity measures how big an object must be to be seen. In pathological eye conditions, numerous studies have noted the importance of CS, in early diagnosis. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive retinal disease and a common cause of blindness for patients over 50’s that cannot be detected only by visual acuity. Although various studies described the impact of AMD on psychophysical daily activities, the quality of life is defined as the general well-being and health of individuals. Current research aims to revise the CS test as diagnostic and predictive clinical tool of visual function by simulating AMD. Statistical analysis of the results, demonstrated statistically significant decline from Normal to Early, Medium and Advanced stages of simulated disease, but no significant difference between right and left eyes or between genders. The assessment of contrast sensitivity can be a part of medical preventive eye care, furthermore for populations with limited access to public health.

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