Comparison of the VCTS-6500 and the CSV-1000 tests for visual contrast sensitivity testing

The aim of this study was to analyze if differences exist between two available contrast sensitivity tests that use similar stimuli, specifically, the CSV-1000 (VectorVision, Greenville, OH)) and the VCTS-6500 (Vistech, Dayton, OH). Contrast sensitivity was measured on 105 healthy patients with ages ranged from 19 to 26 years with visual acuity of 20/25 or better. The tests were performed in the same room and contrast sensitivity was measured with the VCTS-6500 system and CSV-1000. For both tests, the spatial frequencies of 3, 6, 12 and 18 cycles per degree were recorded. Contrast sensitivity values were generally higher for the Vistech VCTS-6500 test being the difference statistically significant (p<0.001) for all the spatial frequencies. This difference was more significant for 3cpd spatial frequency and the two tests showed a better agreement for the 6cpd spatial frequency. Our results showed that there were significant differences between the VCTS-6500 and the CSV-1000 tests. Developments of some general recommendations or regulations in relation to clinical measurement of contrast sensitivity are necessary.