Repeatability of SpotChecks contrast sensitivity test in macular disease

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Vision Science

Background:

• Contrast sensitivity is crucial for visual function and can be impaired in macular diseases.
• The SpotChecks test offers an accessible method for evaluating contrast sensitivity.
• Assessing the repeatability and diagnostic performance of new vision tests is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the intra-visit repeatability of the SpotChecks test with the near Pelli-Robson test in adults diagnosed with macular disease.
• To evaluate the ability of SpotChecks and Pelli-Robson tests to detect reduced contrast sensitivity in this patient group.

Main Methods:

• 29 adults with macular disease underwent repeated measurements of contrast sensitivity using SpotChecks and Pelli-Robson at a 40 cm viewing distance.
• High-contrast logMAR visual acuity was also recorded for all participants.
• Repeatability was quantified using the within-subject standard deviation, and Bland-Altman analysis assessed agreement between tests.

Main Results:

• SpotChecks and Pelli-Robson showed identical intra-visit repeatability (0.17 logCS), comparable to values in healthy adults.
• Both tests demonstrated significant correlation with visual acuity (p < 0.001).
• SpotChecks detected abnormal contrast sensitivity in 76% of eyes, while Pelli-Robson detected it in 66%, both significantly higher than visual acuity (34%).

Conclusions:

• SpotChecks exhibits intra-visit repeatability comparable to the Pelli-Robson test in adults with macular disease.
• Both SpotChecks and Pelli-Robson are more effective than high-contrast logMAR acuity in identifying reduced contrast sensitivity in this population.
• SpotChecks is a reliable tool for assessing contrast sensitivity in individuals with macular disease.