Normative contrast sensitivity functions: the problem of comparison

Sixty college age observers who were prescreened for 6/6 (20/20) acuity were examined twice on an automated contrast sensitivity system. A significant practice effect was evident in the obtained contrast sensitivity functions (CSF's). In addition, marked differences were found between the contrast sensitivity scores in the present work and the normative CSF reported by other investigators using similar methods. Implications for the rapid assessment of CSF in applied settings and for the use of published CSF norms are discussed.