Performance of amblyopic children on printed contrast sensitivity test charts

Forty consecutive amblyopic patients between the ages of 3 and 12 years attending the Orthoptic Clinic for assessment and treatment were tested on the AO Contrast Sensitivity System [Arden grating test (AGT)] and the VISTECH Contrast Sensitivity Charts. Recordings were unsuccessful in more than 50% of these patients on both test systems. Of those who could successfully complete the AGT, false negative results were noted in 62.5% of the amblyopic eyes and false positive results were found in 25% of the normal fellow eyes. On the near VISTECH chart, all normal and amblyopic eyes produced results that were outside the specified limit of normality. On the distance VISTECH chart, 25% of the normal fellow eyes gave false positive results and 25% of the amblyopic eyes gave false negative results. From these findings, it is doubtful whether either test system has a role in the routine clinical assessment of amblyopia.