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[Contrast sensitivity and visual acuity in animals].

W M Harmening¹

¹Universitäts-Augenklinik Bonn, Ernst-Abbe-Str. 2, 53127, Bonn, Deutschland. wolf.harmening@ukbonn.de.

Der Ophthalmologe : Zeitschrift Der Deutschen Ophthalmologischen Gesellschaft

|September 1, 2017

Summary

Human and animal spatial vision, including contrast sensitivity and visual acuity, shows remarkable similarities across species. These visual capabilities generally develop to meet similar evolutionary needs within biophysical limits.

Keywords:

Optical resolution Retina Sensitivity Spatial vision Visual system

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Area of Science:

Comparative vision science
Animal physiology
Evolutionary biology

Background:

Spatial vision is fundamental to survival and is characterized by contrast sensitivity and visual acuity.
Understanding these visual parameters is key to understanding ecological adaptations.

Purpose of the Study:

To compare contrast sensitivity and visual acuity across diverse animal taxa and humans.
To identify factors influencing variations in spatial vision.

Main Methods:

Analysis of existing contrast sensitivity functions and visual acuity data.
Consideration of measurement principles, viewing conditions, and allometry.
Comparative analysis across selected species.

Main Results:

Contrast sensitivity functions exhibit an inverted U-shape, varying in position and sensitivity across species.
Human visual acuity and contrast sensitivity are generally superior.
Body size, eye size, eye type (lens eyes superior), and diurnal activity correlate with visual performance.

Conclusions:

Spatial vision capabilities are broadly comparable across taxa despite structural differences.
Evolutionary pressures for similar ecological needs likely drive convergent development of spatial vision.
Biophysical and optical laws constrain the evolution of visual systems.