Development of Spatial Contrast Sensitivity from Infancy to Adulthood: Psychophysical Data

Purpose: This study examined changes in contrast sensitivity, the location of the peak of the contrast sensitivity function (CSF), and the shape of the function from infancy to adulthood.

Methods: Contrast thresholds were obtained using behavioral methods, preferential looking for infants, and operant techniques for older children and adults, with the same stimuli for all ages.

Results: Contrast sensitivity at the peak improved almost two log units from infancy to adulthood. Much of the shift in the peak to higher spatial frequencies occurred in infancy. Sensitivity was not yet at adult levels at 8 years of age.

Conclusions: The reduction in contrast sensitivity at the lowest frequency between 2 and 4 months of age suggests an increase in lateral inhibition during early infancy. Contrast sensitivity at the peak increased by two log units from then until adulthood.