Oxygenation and gender effects on photopic frequency-doubled contrast sensitivity.

Thresholds to a temporally modulated contrast stimulus were examined across the central visual field, at photopic luminance (100 cd m(-2)), under aviation-related respiratory disturbances. These were mild hypoxia (14.1% oxygen), hyperoxia (100% oxygen), and hypocapnia (voluntary hyperventilation), with control exposures breathing air at rest. Thresholds were analysed by retinal eccentricity and by visual field quadrant. Hypoxia compromised sensitivity away from fixation (p<.001). Gender differences in sensitivity were apparent over the nasal hemifield and in response to 100% oxygen. An unexpected and highly statistically significant effect of oxygen tension (PO2) exposure order (p<.001) implies the existence of short-term retinal 'memory' for recent PO2.