Contrast sensitivity for the stationary and drifting vertical stripe patterns in patients with optic nerve disorders.

Subjective contrast sensitivity for the stationary and horizontally drifting vertical stripe patterns was measured in normal subjects and in patients with glaucoma, optic neuritis and optic atrophy. Contrast sensitivity was also determined objectively using an eye movement reflex (optokinetic nystagmus) recorded by means of electro-oculography. The contrast sensitivity for the drifting stripe patterns in normal subjects was characterized by a depression of sensitivity at the high spatial frequency and an increased contrast sensitivity at the low spatial frequency in comparison with the results of stationary stripe patterns. The measurement of contrast sensitivity for the horizontally drifting vertical stripe patterns was found to be more sensitive for detection of minor damage to the optic nerve than that for the stationary patterns. The results of the subjective contrast sensitivity and the objective one determined using an eye movement reflex showed a good correlation.