The Phenomenon of Retinal Rivalry in the Aged

Abstract

The frequency of oscillation in the retinal rivalry test was investigated in 130 women aged 40-93 years. The competing figures were two squares, one red and one green, viewed through a stereoscope. A fairly regular decrease with age in the frequency of oscillation was noted, a total lack of change becoming prevalent in the oldest age classes. The frequency of oscillation correlated with critical flicker fusion frequency, duration of spiral after-effect (P<0.01) and in a less degree with memory functions and vital capacity (P<0.05) even if age was kept constant. The inter correlation of retinal rivalry oscillation frequency and other neural function variables decreased to a non-significant level when age was partialled out.