Impacts of Mild and Moderate Acute Hypoxia on Visual Contrast Sensitivity

Abstract

Introduction: Acute hypoxia could hamper the visual performance during the aviation. In the study, we aimed to investigate the effects of acute hypoxia on the contrast sensitivity (CS) and the color contrast sensitivity (CCS).Methos: 12 healthy volunteers (aged 20-22 years old) were selected for CS and CCS examination at altitude of 300m, 3000m and 4500m by applying the hypobaric cabin to simulate acute hypoxia (3000m in height = mild hypoxia; 4500m = moderate hypoxia). All data were collected after the heart rate and the blood oxygen saturation became stable, and were analyzed by the paired student’s t-test. Results: The CS at the spatial frequency of 1.5 Cpd was significantly increased at the altitude of 3000m (P<0.05), while CS at the higher spatial frequencies was not significantly affected. The CS of 1.5 and 3.0 Cpd was increased at the altitude of 4500m (P<0.05), while the CS of higher spatial frequency did not change significantly. With the increased degree of hypoxia, the overall CCS was increased with a statistical difference at 4500m (P<0.05). The CCS of the temporal superior and inferior quadrants were significantly affected (P<0.05), while those in other quadrants were significantly changed. Conclusions: Mild and moderate acute hypoxia could affect the CS in the low spatial frequency. With the increased degree of acute hypoxia, CCS deteriorates with the temporal quadrant more vulnerable to be affected.