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The visual evoked potentials and the spatial vision in old people
Metabolic, Pediatric, and Systemic Ophthalmology (New York, N.Y. : 1985)
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Visual evoked potentials (VEP) latency increases with age, particularly after 60. This age-related decline in visual function is linked to both optical and neural factors, impacting contrast sensitivity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Age-related changes in visual processing are common.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for maintaining visual health in aging populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between aging and visual evoked potentials (VEP) latency.
- To assess age-related changes in contrast sensitivity.
Main Methods:
- Measured VEP latency in 75 healthy subjects (21-80 years) using pattern-reversal and onset-offset stimulation.
- Recorded contrast sensitivity threshold in 24 subjects using an electrofunctional method.
Main Results:
- A strong correlation was found between increased VEP latency and advancing age, especially after 60 years.
- Delayed VEP latencies were observed with both stimulation types, more pronounced with smaller stimuli.
- Older individuals exhibited elevated contrast sensitivity thresholds, particularly for small stimuli.
Conclusions:
- Aging significantly impacts VEP latency and contrast sensitivity.
- These visual system changes are attributed to optical factors (e.g., senile miosis) and neural factors (e.g., optic nerve degeneration).