Correlation Between Quantitative Contrast Sensitivity Function and Spherical Equivalent Under Uncorrected and Corrected Conditions in Children with Ametropia

Abstract

Background This study investigated the correlation between quantitative contrast sensitivity function (qCSF) and spherical equivalent (SE) under uncorrected and corrected conditions in children with ametropia. Methods All participants completed comprehensive ophthalmic evaluations, including manifest refraction and qCSF testing performed under uncorrected and corrected visual acuity conditions. The qCSF parameters included the area under the log contrast sensitivity function (AULCSF), contrast sensitivity function acuity, and contrast sensitivity at spatial frequencies of 1.0–18.0 cycles per degree (cpd). The analysis was stratified by age and SE. Results A total of 114 eyes from 57 children (29 boys and 28 girls; mean age: 8.56 ± 2.09 years) were included. The mean SE was −0.60 ± 1.04 D (range: −3.125 to +3 D). In children with myopia, the qCSF results were significantly better after refraction correction than those under uncorrected visual acuity and increased linearly with the degree of myopia, whereas in children with hyperopia, the qCSF parameters before and after refraction correction did not differ significantly. Generalized linear modeling identified SE was the strongest independent predictor of uncorrected qCSF performance, whereas age showed minimal influence. The differences in qCSF parameters before and after refractive correction were correlated with the SE. Conclusions In children without myopia, uncorrected qCSF closely matched the corrected results supporting its use for screening, whereas in children with myopia, the difference between uncorrected and corrected qCSF increased linearly with the degree of myopia. These findings demonstrate the importance of early optical correction and integrating contrast sensitivity assessment into pediatric eye-health evaluations.