Adult levels of meridional anisotropy and contrast threshold in 5-year olds

This study, using a forced-choice technique, shows that 5-yr-old children have greater sensitivity for vertical and horizontal sinusoidal gratings than for obliques. Contrast thresholds for all orientations were similar to those of adults as was the magnitude of the meridional anisotropy. These results suggest that meridional anisotropy does not develop over an extended period of childhood as was previously reported (Mayer, 1977). Reasons for the discrepancy between the two studies are discussed.