title: Evaluation of contrast sensitivity measurements after retrobulbar optic neuritis in Multiple Sclerosis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The evaluation of contrast sensitivity is an important additional examination that allows the physician to achieve the full picture of a patient's quality of vision. In low-contrast conditions, more discrete visual dysfunctions may be revealed, which could be overlooked in high-contrast tests.
  
  
  METHODS
  The examined group consisted of 33 eyes of 27 patients with multiple sclerosis. The study included patients with full or almost full visual acuity, without visual field defects or any other ophthalmic condition, and who had never undergone any ocular surgery or trauma. The reference group consisted of 49 eyes of 37 patients. This group included healthy subjects with full visual acuity. Contrast sensitivity was examined with a Functional Vision Analyzer™ device in photopic conditions (with and without glare) and in mesopic conditions (with and without glare).
  
  
  RESULTS
  In patients with multiple sclerosis who had experienced optic neuritis, contrast sensitivity was found to be significantly reduced in all spatial frequencies in both mesopic and photopic conditions (with and without glare).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Contrast sensitivity in patients with multiple sclerosis who have also had optic neuritis is significantly reduced. This may explain patients' complaints regarding their quality of vision, despite good visual acuity. Contrastometry is a useful basis for further examination, providing additional information regarding a patient's quality of vision.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Lodz, Medical University Barlicki Hospital No.1, Kopcinskiego str. 22, 90-153, Lodz, Poland, mowidzka@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Marta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Owidzka
authors.forename: Michal
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wilczynski
authors.forename: Wojciech
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Omulecki
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D055253:Color Vision; D015350:Contrast Sensitivity / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D019466:Glare; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055255:Mesopic Vision; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009902:Optic Neuritis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014787:Vision Tests; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology; D055815:Young Adult