Development of contrast sensitivity across the visual field in macaque monkeys (Macaca nemestrina)

Interpretation of measurements of visual performance in infants must be based on knowledge of the locus of highest sensitivity in the infant retina. While we know that adult contrast sensitivity and spatial resolution is highest at the fovea, recent anatomical data show that the infant fovea is relatively immature. We have studied the variation of contrast sensitivity across the visual field during development in infant monkeys in order to investigate the behavioral consequences of this immaturity. The results show that, unlike adults, the sensitivity of the infant foveal region is similar to that of the near periphery. Central contrast sensitivity and spatial resolution improve substantially relative to the periphery over the first 20-40 postnatal weeks. Thus, contrast sensitivity in the periphery is relatively mature in infants with respect to more central regions of the visual field. The maturation pattern seen behaviorally is consistent with physiological and anatomical maturation patterns in macaque monkey.