Why do we measure contrast sensitivity?

The fundamental advantage of measuring the contrast sensitivity of the eye using sinusoidal gratings is that it gives a more complete description of its functional range. Such measurements increase our understanding of how we perceive events in the visual world. The technique can also be applied to other animals whose visual system is matched to a different visual environment. Moreover, single neurones can be measured and compared with psychophysical results. In recent years it has also become possible to investigate abnormal vision using clinical material.