VISUAL CONTRAST SENSITIVITY TEST may reveal conditions with underlying infections like biotoxins, lyme disease and deficiencies.

[Heloise]

This is an interesting test you can do online for free even though they would like a $10 donation but not necessary.   There are certain markers in your test showing where the weaknesses may be.  I wouldn't try to diagnose anything from it but if you have high scores it may give you a lift.  I think biofilms are becoming a huge problem. 

vcstest.com/

[Heloise]

Is the FACT test a similar test?  I agree that I wouldn't use the VCS as a diagnostic tool. 

[vcstest]

Hi Jane,

Are you sure it was the VCS test at VCSTest.com that you took back around 2013?  VCSTest.com was started in January 2014, though there were other online VCS tests at that time.  

Either way, I'm sorry to hear the results of your online test weren't reflective of your condition, and that you felt they were unreliable.  During our first ~year, there were, in fact, occasionally times when VCSTest.com test results were less accurate than we would have liked.  This was mostly due to differences in the assumptions we made about the characteristics of the computer monitor/display being used and the actual characteristics of that display, and in cases where there was meaningful deviation, results were proportionally askew.  This was the same issue often reported about the other online VCS tests, and resulted in much consternation (both for us and our users).

To deal with the issue, in early 2015 we developed a comprehensive calibration process that captures information about your computer display (e.g., its size, pixel density, gamma), which informs our test image renderer which then generates test images that have been adapted specifically to your display, to ensure accuracy, reliability, and repeatability across devices and displays.  Consequently, our test is now considered the most accurate available online by the hundreds of doctors, practitioners, and researchers who use it every day (it's even being used in to-be-published-in-journals medical research).

I don't know if you still need VCS testing or if you've recovered from your mould illness (hopefully you have!), but as our site explains, we offer a free initial test with donation requested for upgraded results and additional testing, though we're happy to provide free upgrades and testing to anyone who asks.  If you do still need testing, I'd like to invite you try our improved test for free, and I'd also like to mention that we're happy to offer free upgrades and testing to anyone here (or anywhere else), in case the offer on the site was missed.  Just email us at [e-mail] (after your account has been created, if you don't already have one) and we'll be happy to provide free test credits.

Also, I'm happy to address any questions or concerns you or others might have either here, or via email.

Best,

Brian

VCSTest.com

[vcstest in reply to vcstest]

Sorry to reply to myself, but want to add a few things (partially in response to other comments here, and partially for clarity's sake):

  * Our test is an online version of the FACT -- it uses the same contrast levels, spatial frequencies, etc. as the traditional card-based FACT, and we use the same scoring algorithm developed and used by Dr. Shoemaker as a screen for biotoxin illness.

  * A VCS test isn't diagnostic for any particular condition, generally, whether the test is taken in an office, or online, as there are many factors and conditions that can affect contrast sensitivity.  VCS testing is only a tool to be used (preferably by/with a doctor) in conjunction with an evaluation of signs and symptoms, potential exposures, lifestyle, etc.  VCS testing should only ever be used as a screen.

  * Though our online test is very accurate and reliable when the calibration is properly performed, there is no substitute for a FACT given by a doctor using an accurate test card (there are inaccurate test cards floating around out there, unfortunately) in the doctor's office under controlled conditions (which is the 'gold standard' when it comes to contrast sensitivity testing in cases of suspected biotoxin illness).

Again, happy to address any questions or concerns here or via email.  Just let me know.

Brian

(EDIT:  typo, further clarification)

[Heloise in reply to vcstest]

Thank you, Brian.  I don't know how you found this post but I thought the test was fascinating.   I'm inclined to believe sleuth infections cause a great deal of the type of chronic health problems seen today.   Therefore becoming aware of them  is important as they can interfere with the immune system.

This was one aspect related to low vitamin D.  I removed the name of the pharmaceutical as I am not informed enough to recommend the treatment. 

VDR-vitamin d receptors

One researcher, using computer molecular modeling and affinity calculations, has determined that ------- is a VDR agonist (activates the VDR), and in high enough concentrations will dislodge the bacterial antagonist (which inhibit VDR function). Over time, Inflammation Therapy will allow the hormone 1,25-D to regain homeostasis with the VDR and reactivate the immune system on its own.

[vcstest in reply to Heloise]

Hi Heloise,

You're welcome, and I'm glad you found the test interesting and potentially helpful.  

I saw some users come to the site from this URL (I sometimes look at referrers), so came to check out what was said that led them to visit.

I, too, believe that behind many chronic illnesses are biotoxin and other toxic 'infections', like Lyme, parasites, toxic chemicals, etc. (the list is long) .. and I agree that sorting out what they might be can be a key to getting well.

Personally, I dealt with hydrocarbon poisoning, mold, a number of gut infections, parasites, probable Lyme (definitive diagnosis can be difficult), dental cavitations, metals, and a handful of other 'toxics', along with nutritional deficiencies that were both diet-related and also made significantly worse by the above 'infections' / 'intoxications'.  (One of my deficiencies was, indeed, vitamin D, and VDR-related issues were likely involved.) 

In my opinion, nutritional supplementation and detoxification are, or should be, important (key) parts of any 'recovering-from-chronic-illness' plan.

Best,

Brian

[Heloise in reply to vcstest]

Hi Brian, I hope you are improving although it doesn't sound like a simple recovery program.  I had never heard of VCS but listened to a Radio America discussion with Dr. Nathan and Dr. Shoemaker where it was mentioned.  It was probably a link that JaneB had given me earlier.  I was hoping there might be some definitive methods of treatment and I guess there are but you have to find which one will work for you.  Not everyone is in a position to travel across the continents if that's what it takes. 

I didn't check out your website very thoroughly and if you have suggestions for more information, it would be great if you could share.  I also am not certain how precisely I did the test.  They set me at 48 inches which was quite a distance. 

This is an interesting avenue at any rate and I am eager to learn more about it.  Thank you for weighing in!

[vcstest in reply to Heloise]

Hi Heloise,

I've recovered nearly fully from all of the above (it's taken years of 'work'), and aside from occasional setbacks/issues am mostly 'normal' now.  I used a lot of different therapies/treatments, but the most helpful was micronutrient repletion through nutritional IVs.

We currently have a research section on the site where you can learn more about VCS testing (vcstest.com/resources/resea..., though we're planning to create more 'accessible', easier to read/ingest content at some point in the future, also.

If you're concerned about the accuracy of your results (which is reasonable when you're asked to test at such a distance), you may want to consider taking the test on a newer smartphone or tablet, which almost always have very high quality, high pixel density displays that make for easier gamma calibration and allow testing at 24".  

Feel free to email or use our live chat application (typically available Monday-Friday during normal business hours, US Eastern) if you'd like one-on-one help with calibrating or anything else.

Best,

Brian

[Heloise in reply to vcstest]

Hi Brian,

I think IV bars, like juice bars we have in the states, would be a great addition to the health food stores.  Nutrition is so NOT valued in the medical profession.  

I'm glad to hear that someone could overcome this new "plague".  (I hope that's an exaggeration.)   People need to become aware of this.  If niacin can be used as a treatment for schizophrenia, it's time nutrients are back in the limelight.

 I wonder if a device that can extract lymphocytes would be useful in some way.   I think biomedical research may provide real hope as John Grishom's book "Tumor" is indicating.

Thanks again, Brian, and I will try the test on an iPad next time.

 

[vcstest in reply to Heloise]

Hi Heloise,

I agree!  Nutritional IVs are very underutilized, generally, despite very low associated risks.

I also agree that nutrition should be 'front and center', generally.  We are what we {eat|breathe|drink|take in}, so it only follows that we should look very closely at nutrition, our environments, etc.

iPads and iPhones are great for testing; I'm sure the calibration will be easier, and you'll most likely be able to test at 24" (the only exceptions are the first and some of the second gen models).

Brian

[ann_g_k]

Many thanks for this - I took the test and was amazed that it has picked up:

1) possible nutritional deficiencies - according to latest test results in March my folate levels are on the cusp of deficiency

2) likely biotoxin issues - I was diagnosed with ME back in 1989, which, incidentally - or coincidentally - followed water damage to the house I was living in (particularly in my bedroom where mound developed on an entire wall). I'm now thinking the two events may be related...

What would be the next steps to identify biotoxins, esp mould?

I'm already trying to address the folate issue (which is especially bizarre as my B12 levels are v high and we eat a folate-rich diet, so it looks like an absorption problem).

Curiouser and curiouser!

[Heloise in reply to ann_g_k]

You are so right...Mad Hatter or was it Alice?  It probably doesn't matter for basic treatments with bentonite clay and charcoal.  Janeb knows more about this but I was listening to a discussion on you tube.  It will open your eyes.

voiceamerica.com/episode/81...

Also, Your high B12 and low folate expose a methylation problem.  I'll look up some information for you on another post. 

[Heloise in reply to ann_g_k]

suzycohen.com/articles/how-...

suzycohen.com/articles/drug...

She talks about the methylation problem in these articles due to the genetic MTHFR function.  If you don't know about it, it often causes high B12 and low folate.

[AmandaK in reply to Heloise]

Hi Heloise, many thanks for your help with this and for pointing me i  the right direction. I'm also wondering if my Mum had the same problem as she was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimers even though brain scans showed no abnormalities/shrinkage usually associated with such an illness. She also had the same symptoms as me and my Dad and I were never convinced of the diagnosis. It gets even more curiouser!

Amandak

[Heloise in reply to AmandaK]

Hi Amanda,  is it the B12 problem?  This is an insidious problem which not only may lead to Alzheimers but Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis.   The website below is very difficult to navigate for me but these tidbits of information but I'm not sure if any of it comes from scientific research or just their own experience.  I hope you can make sense of it.  Since they do talk of recovery, it may be prove worthwhile to try to figure out a treatment.  They do give specifics.  I hope I chose the right pages but you can search around.

forums.phoenixrising.me/ind...

forums.phoenixrising.me/ind...

forums.phoenixrising.me/ind...

[ann_g_k in reply to Heloise]

Thank you for this - I think you are responding to my query about my Mum? Sadly she passed away in 2003, aged 71, having been ill for over ten years. I'm not sure what tests she had, apart from the obvious for Alzheimers, so it's possible B12 and folate were tested. I'm not sure if methylation problems have been identified over the past 13 years since her death or if they were known about before then.

Incidentally, her sister also died of early onset Alzheimers. There is no incidence of any other family members having had this - in fact, the opposite is true as all the females we know of up to Mum and my aunt lived to a ripe old age (86 years plus), though many of the males died in their 60s, mainly due to heart problems I think.

[Heloise in reply to ann_g_k]

Hi ann,  I think methylation mutations can be in varying degrees because there are many genes involved.  Though it's very prevalent, it can be a very mild involvement for some.

I hope genetic testing can answer more questions than blood tests seem to.

The phoenix rising comments help to identify different types of B12 and folate which is helpful.

[ann_g_k]

To clarify - the 'latest test results in March' relate to Blue Horizon Thyroid Plus 12 test.