Pelli-Robson contrast sensitivity test in Zaire.

The purpose of this study was to establish in this first report the age standards of the Pelli-Robson contrast sensitivity in Zaïre. Contrast sensitivity using the Pelli-Robson chart was performed in 100 normal Zairian black subjects aged from 10 to 59 years and 36 patients (22 patients with open-angle glaucoma and 14 with optic nerve disease). Scores of normal subjects were age related (p < 0.05). The results of Zairian young subjects were similar to those found previously in young white subjects; scores for older subjects were lower when compared to those of whites. Scores of patients were lower than those of normals (p < 0.001). Contrast sensitivity using the Pelli-Robson chart can be useful in developing countries.