Abstract

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) refers to a group of retinal dystrophies that are characterized typically by night blindness, peripheral visual field restrictions and/or scotomas, abnormalities in the electroretinogram (ERG), intraretinal bone spicule-like pigmentation, and narrowing of the retinal vessels. While functional abnormalities are usually most apparent in the peripheral visual field, foveal function can often be impaired as well. Previous studies have suggested that not only can foveal visual acuity be reduced in RP patients, but foveal contrast sensitivity for relatively large targets can also be decreased.^1-4 The purpose of this study was to examine the quantitative relationship between the loss of foveal visual acuity and the reduction in foveal letter contrast sensitivity in subjects with RP in order to provide further information about the nature of the foveal dysfunction. Acuity and contrast sensitivity were assessed both by means of a computerized display system and by commercially available chart tests.

© 1993 Optical Society of America