Effect of age and refractive error on quick contrast sensitivity function in Chinese adults: a pilot study

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the potential effect of age and refractive error on visual acuity (VA) performance and quick contrast sensitivity function (qCSF) in normal Chinese adults. Method: Ninety-two subjects with normal best corrected distance VA (BCDVA) were enrolled in this pilot study. Measurements included BCDVA, best corrected near VA (BCNVA), unaided VA (UNVA), habitual spectacle-corrected near VA (SCNVA) and qCSF. For analyses, subjects were categorized into three age groups (20~40 years, 41~60 year and >60 years) and four refractive groups (hyperopia, emmetropia, myopia and high myopia). Relationships between age, refractive error, types of VA and qCSF were tested using simple and multiple linear regressions analyses. Result: Mean age and refractive error of the study participants were 44.04 ± 12.68 years and −1.86 ± 2.91D, respectively. Among the stratified age groups, a hyperopic shift of refraction (−3.24 ± 2.88D vs. −1.24 ± 2.64D vs. 0.39 ± 1.42D, respectively; P < 0.001) and a reduction in BCNVA (P = 0.014), SCNVA (P < 0.001) and cut-off spatial frequency (SF) (P = 0.032) were found with increasing age. Among the four refractive groups, the SCNVA and cut-off SF of hyperopia were worse compared to the other refractive statuses (all P < 0.05). Age was significantly associated with cut-off SF (standardized β = −0.29, P = 0.005) after adjustment for SER, gender and all types of VA. Conclusion: For normal Chinese adults with normal BCDVA, age was the main factor associated with CSF, which may be independent of refractive error.