Visual Contrast Sensitivity Screening (VCS) FAQs

Do I need to wear glasses when taking the VCS?

If you normally wear glasses while working from your computer, then wear them during the VCS. If your glasses prescription gives one eye near and one eye far, the near vision prescription can be used. The far vision cannot.

If you wear contacts:

Visual acuity testing using near vision will not be better than 20/20 when contacts are set for far vision. You will have to use just the near vision test alone.

What does a failed VCS mean?

A failed VCS means you need to be evaluated for a possible biotoxin illness. The VCS gives you a print out so you can see your scores, looking especially in column C and D. With hyperacute exposure, there will be a fail in row E followed by a fail in row D. If associated with a rise of MMP-9, these findings are consistent with intensification.

Occupational exposure to heavy metals, solvents, petrochemicals and hydrocarbons are all known to create deficits in visual contrast. The mechanism for deficit is not well established other than direct neurotoxicity.

What does it mean if one eye passes and one eye fails?

The VCS test is non-specific. It simply shows a deficit for patients with exposure to biologically produced toxins. Visual acuity must be better than 20/20 for each eye tested. If both eyes have adequate acuity and one eye fails, then the entire test is a fail.

What if I am colorblind?

The VCS test is black and white and has nothing to do with color vision.

VCS settings:

Using the Near Fact card at 18 inches; and be sure to have adequate light illumination of 70-foot lamberts.

How do I access my VCS results?

Sign into your Surviving Mold account and you will see the “VCS” tab. All of your VCS are readily available to download as a PDF.