The Cardiff Contrast Test
Product Ref: CARDIFF CONTRAST
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INTRODUCTION
The New Cardiff Contrast Test is designed for contrast sensitivity measurement in toddlers and young
children, and in older children or adults with intellectual impairment or communication difficulties.
Contrast sensitivity is the ability of the visual system to detect large but faint targets. There are some
pathological conditions that reduce contrast sensitivity without impairing visual acuity, and the test will
help in the identification of these conditions. However, reduced contrast sensitivity and reduced visual
acuity often occur together, so that some (by no means all) people with visual impairment also have
reduced contrast sensitivity. Tests for the two functions are therefore complementary and obtaining a
measure of both will give a fuller description of visual deficits than will one alone.
Treatment for visual deficits (including amblyopia therapies) can result in improved contrast sensitivity
sometimes in the absence of increased visual acuity. Contrast sensitivity can therefore be an essential
tool in monitoring therapies.
Contrast sensitivity is most usefully measured with a size of target well within a patient’s acuity limit.
If acuity is good, then the peak of the contrast sensitivity function lies at around 1.5 – 4 cycles per
degree. When the Cardiff Contrast Test is carried out at a distance of 50 cm the targets represent 1.9
cycles per degree (or 6/90, 20/300) and at a distance of 1 m the targets represent 3.8 cycles per degree
(or 6/45, 20/150). At a distance of 25 cm the targets represent 1.0 cycle per degree (or 6/180, 20/600)
For older children and adults, the test can be used as a naming test – at each level the patient is simply
asked to name the picture. The test incorporates pictures suitable for both children and adults. Only one
of each set needs to be shown.
Item can take 7-10 days from order
Accessories and other items can also be purchased by phone if you prefer. To make a telephone order, or to discuss any item purchase please call 01438 740823.