Am Orthopt J  49: 90-96  (1999).

Contrast Sensitivity is Improved Following Four Muscle Recessions in Idiopathic Congenital Nystagmus

Felisa Shokida, M.D.
Alberto Ciancia, M.D.

Introduction: Patients with Idiopathic Congenital Nystagmus have reported improved subjective vision following large recessions of the four horizontal recti. Snellen acuity testing has failed to indicate a significant improvement in vision, however. Another measure of visual function is Contrast Sensitivity Function (CSF) testing. CSF may be affected without any apparent change in visual acuity.

Patients and Methods: Contrast sensitivity (CS) was studied in eleven patients before and after large recessions of the four horizontal muscles using the Vistech Vision Contrast Test System.

Results: Improvement in CSF was found at the low and intermediate frequencies when each eye was tested individually. In five of the eleven cases there was improvement at all frequencies when both eyes were tested.

Conclusion: Contrast Sensitivity Function improves after the four muscle recession procedure when either one or both eyes are tested.

© 1999 The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System