The influence of age on the spatial and temporal contrast sensitivity function.

A clinical technique for sampling the spatial and temporal CSF at low, intermediate and high frequencies is described. Reductions in contrast sensitivity with age were shown with the highest spatial and temporal frequency stimuli. The reductions can be almost completely accounted for by the reduction of pupil area with age, causing a reduction in retinal illuminance. The results show a significant deterioration in vision with age that is not revealed by standard visual acuity testing.