Visual contrast detection cannot be predicted from surrogate measures of retinal ganglion cell number and sampling density in healthy young adults

Abstract

PURPOSE. To establish whether a clinically exploitable relationship exists between surrogate measures of retinal ganglion cell number and functional sampling density and visual contrast sensitivity in healthy young eyes. METHODS. Psychometric functions for contrast detection were measured at 98 eccentricity in superior and inferior visual field from 20 healthy adults (age 23-43, median 26 years). Functions were compared with corresponding localized regions of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness measured by optical coherence tomography, a surrogate of retinal ganglion cell number, and to grating resolution acuity, a psychophysical surrogate of retinal ganglion cell sampling density. Co..