Intraocular light scatter in normal vision loss with age

Abstract

Comparisons of contrast sensitivity functions between young (20–30-yrs) and old (60–70-yrs) subjects show that, on the average, the older subjects require about twice the contrast as the younger to detect gratings of high and intermediate spatial frequencies. The question of the source of this visual loss is addressed by calculating the loss of contrast due to intraocular light scatter. This, in turn, is estimated using measurements of disability glare as a function of glare angle and observer age. It is shown that the measured loss of vision with age is consistent with the hypothesis that it is due to increased intraocular light scatter.

© 1984 Optical Society of America