WHY do we do VCS Tests on our clients?

Visual contrast sensitivity testing measures your ability to see details at low contrast levels and is often used as a nonspecific test of neurological function.  Similar in form to a standard audiometry hearing test, a VCS test generally involves the presentation of a series of images of decreasing contrast to the test subject and the recording of the contrast levels where patterns, shapes, or objects can or cannot be identified.  The results of the test can then be used as an aid in the diagnosis of visual system dysfunction.

Many things can affect the ability to perceive contrast.  These include nutritional deficiencies, the consumption of alcohol, drug/medication use, and exposure to endogenous or exogenous neurotoxins and/or biotoxins, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), venom from animal or insect stings or bites, actinobacteria, some species of mold and the mycotoxins and microbial VOCs they produce, cyanobacteria, dinoflagellates (particularly Pfiesteria and Ciguatera), apicomplexans, parasites, heavy metals like mercury and lead, and the pathogens responsible for Lyme disease and its common co-infections.  

VCS testing, by itself, is generally not diagnostic for any specific condition (including either mold or neurotoxin exposure), but a positive result may suggest the existence of a health and life-affecting clinical or subclinical process.  If your results are positive, you could have a number of different conditions and should see your healthcare provider.

VCSTest.com offers an optional symptom assessment that can help you determine if you might be suffering from Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS).  The CIRS assessment is 37 questions long and adds two (2) pages to our detailed results PDF.  The results should be shared with your healthcare provider, or one familiar with CIRS.