Burke Vision Lab
CSF Explorer
Compare how different eyes interact with the world. Four contrast sensitivity profiles - each grounded in published research - illustrate how conditions like cataracts, uncorrected refractive error, and multifocal IOLs reshape what the visual system can detect. For educational purposes only.
Most people only want to know if they are 20/20
When you get your eyes checked, the number you walk away with only tests one thing: the finest detail you can read in perfect, black-on-white contrast. Look at the colored dots on the line below. Each one marks where a different eye reaches its limit on the standard eye chart. Three of the four pass. But like an iceberg, there is far more to vision beneath this line.
Three of these four eyes pass 20/20. Drag up to see what the chart misses.
↑ drag up to reveal what the eye chart misses
150 yd
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Estimated maximum detection range
How far could each eye detect these features? Young Adult is the baseline.
Reading the chart
How this data was derived

CSF model - Log-parabola contrast sensitivity function from Lesmes et al. (2010), "Bayesian adaptive estimation of the contrast sensitivity function: The quick CSF method." The four parameters (gain, peak frequency, bandwidth, truncation) define the curve shape. The multifocal IOL profile adds a Gaussian dip to model diffractive energy loss at mid-frequencies.

Sample profiles - The four profiles are illustrative examples based on published normative and clinical data; they do not represent fits to individual patient data. Young adult: Owsley, Sekuler & Siemsen (1983), "Contrast sensitivity throughout adulthood," Vision Research; Lesmes et al. (2010). Early cataract: Hess & Woo (1978), "Vision through cataracts," IOVS; Elliott & Situ (1998), "Visual acuity versus letter contrast sensitivity in early cataract," Vision Research. Uncorrected myopia: optical defocus effects per Atchison & Smith (2000), Optics of the Human Eye. Multifocal IOL: Montés-Micó & Alió (2003), "Distance and near contrast sensitivity function after multifocal intraocular lens implantation," J Cataract Refract Surg; Leyland & Zinicola (2003), "Multifocal versus monofocal intraocular lenses in cataract surgery," Ophthalmology.

Object sizes - Golf ball: USGA Rules of Golf (diameter 42.67 mm, dimple ~3.5 mm). Hi-vis vest: ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 (5 cm retroreflective tape). Highway signs: FHWA MUTCD Series E(Modified) (16-inch uppercase, 20% stroke width). Pedestrian: anthropometric averages (shoulder width ~45 cm, head ~25 cm). Deer: whitetail shoulder height ~1 m; D'Angelo et al. (2023).

Contrast values - Michelson contrast computed from published surface reflectance data. Daytime values derived from material albedo against typical backgrounds. Night retroreflective values based on ASTM E810 standard practice and FHWA-HRT-07-040 retroreflectivity report.

Fourier demand model - Broadband features modeled as step-edge stimuli: Sreq(f) = sqrt(1 + (π f θ)²) / C. Texture features use a Gaussian bandpass model. Framework follows Campbell & Robson (1968) and Watson & Ahumada (2005).

This tool is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a medical device, clinical assessment, diagnosis, or substitute for a professional eye examination. All results are estimates based on simplified models and may not reflect actual real-world visual performance. Do not use these results to make medical, safety, or driving decisions. If you have concerns about your vision, please consult a licensed eye care professional.