VCS Test Pro

What is visual contrast sensitivity testing?

Visual contrast sensitivity testing measures your ability to see details at low contrast levels and is often used as a nonspecific test of neurological function. Similar in form to a standard audiometry hearing test, a VCS test generally involves the presentation of a series of images of decreasing contrast to the test subject and the recording of the contrast levels where patterns, shapes, or objects can or cannot be identified. The results of the test can then be used as an aid in the diagnosis of visual system dysfunction.

What can cause a contrast sensitivity deficit?

Many things can affect the ability to perceive contrast. These include nutritional deficiencies, the consumption of alcohol, drug/medication use, and exposure to endogenous or exogenous neurotoxins and/or biotoxins, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), venom from animal or insect stings or bites, some species of mold and the mycotoxins and microbial VOCs they produce, cyanobacteria, dinoflagellates (particularly Pfiesteria and Ciguatera), apicomplexans, parasites, heavy metals like mercury and lead, and the pathogens responsible for Lyme disease and its common co-infections.

Why is VCS testing diagnostic?

VCS testing, by itself, is generally not diagnostic for any specific condition (including either mold or neurotoxin exposure), but a positive result may suggest the existence of a health and life-affecting clinical or subclinical process. If your results are positive, you could have a number of different conditions and should see your healthcare provider.

What about symptoms?

VCSTest.com offers an optional symptom assessment that can help you determine if you might be suffering from Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). The CIRS assessment is 37 questions long and adds two (2) pages to our detailed results PDF. The results should be shared with your healthcare provider, or one familiar with CIRS.

How does your test compare to the test offered by Dr. Shoemaker?

VCSTest.com contrast sensitivity tests have been taken tens of thousands of times and are widely used and relied upon by individuals, healthcare professionals, and researchers all around the world. Our new Online Contrast Sensitivity Test™ – the OCST™ – is identical to the Functional Acuity Contrast Test, or FACT®, used by Dr. Shoemaker and others involved in neurotoxin research in terms of contrast levels and spatial frequencies tested, but it uniquely features on-screen display size and gamma calibration to ensure that results are accurate and valid regardless of the type, size, and settings of the device used to test. Additionally, OCST test images are generated dynamically in software, which ensures that images are of the highest quality and that the test is different each time you take it. Our biotoxin-illness pass/fail algorithm is the same proven algorithm used by Dr. Shoemaker, though the OCST also scores performance at the other tested spatial frequencies using criteria developed from current contrast sensitivity-related research. We provide up to 4 pages of enhanced and expanded results and interpretation, including research-based information on what deficits at each of the tested spatial frequencies might suggest. Results are immediately available on-screen, and in printable and forwardable PDF format if you choose to make a contribution.

How much time do I need to take the test?

Generally, the VCS portion of the test takes between 10 and 15 minutes. The symptom assessment can add another 5 to 10 minutes.