What question did this study set out to answer?

To measure how luminance and contrast affect visual acuity across different ages.

March 21, 2026

Effects of Luminance and Contrast on Visual Acuity, Ages 16 to 90 Years

Puntos clave

To measure how luminance and contrast affect visual acuity across different ages.
Measured visual acuity using Snellen letters at various contrast levels and luminances.
Assessed participants aged 16 to 90 years.
Calculated percentage losses of visual perception with increasing age.
At 10 fL luminance, visual acuity changes minimally at age 40 for high and medium contrast.
At age 70, no letters could be seen at 0.01 fL luminance, indicating significant deterioration.
Older individuals require more light for seeing low-contrast letters, especially during indoor and night tasks.

Resumen

ABSTRACT Visual acuity of persons aged 16 to 90 years was measured with Snellen letters of varied contrast at 10, 1, 0.1, and 0.01 fL chart luminances. Percentage losses of seeing with age were computed. At 10 fL luminance, perception of high‐ and medium‐contrast letters has changed little at age 40, but about twice as much light is needed to see low‐contrast letters as at age 20. By age 70, no 2‐min‐subtense (20/40) letters were seen at 0.01 fL luminance. The need of older people for increased lighting during indoor tasks and night driving is discussed.

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