The Visual Cliff test is a simple behavioral test used in neuroscience to determine whether a rodent can see properly and whether it can perceive depth (depth perception). It is one of the fastest and most reliable ways to assess functional vision, especially in mouse strains with genetic mutations that cause blindness or visual deficits.
Before engaging into complex visual assessment tests, the Visual Cliff is a classic device to evaluate the presence of severe visual impairments. It uses a glass or plexiglass surface that creates the illusion of a sudden drop-off, thanks to the fact that the surface is divided into two sections. One section is at a higher level than the other, creating a visual cliff. The animal can see the difference in depth between the two sections due to the clear surface.
More in details, the apparatus consists of:
1 - The “shallow” side (near surface)
Under the glass there is a high-contrast checkerboard immediately below the paws (0–1 cm).
It looks solid and safe.
2 - The “deep” side
The same checkerboard pattern is placed far below (30–50 cm under the glass).
This creates the visual illusion of a drop-off or cliff.
The mouse always walks on transparent glass/plexiglass, so it is safe. The difference is purely visual.
What do we measure with the visual cliff?
It measures how much time the rodent spends:
on the shallow side (appears safe) Vs. the deep side (appears dangerous)
Why does it work?
If the rodent can see, it avoids the deep side because it perceives the drop.
If a mouse is blind,has low visual acuity, has retinal degeneration (e.g., rd1, rd10), or has abnormal visual development, it cannot distinguish between shallow and deep and moves randomly.
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Features |
Benefits |
|---|---|
|
Simple instrument |
Gives a rough indication of visual acuity and is not expensive |
|
Customizable |
Being a purely mechanical device it can be customized according to scientist preferences |
| Data are simple and robust | Easy data interprentation |
| Results are simple but reliable | Gives a clear indication, although simple of the acuity |
|
Physical | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 40x40x60,5(h)cm |
| Walls Height | 20 cm |
The Visual Cliff test is useful for:
It is a non-invasive, quick (3–5 minutes) and highly reproducible test.
The key question the visual cliff test seeks to answer is whether animals show a natural aversion to the perceived drop-off, indicating an innate depth perception ability.
Typically, if depth perception has developed, animals will hesitate or avoid walking over the visual cliff, while those who lack this ability will not show the same level of caution and may proceed without hesitation. The test can be used to assess the effect of drugs, the development of depth perception with age, genetic research,etc.
How to interpret the results:
1) Mouse with normal vision, Strong preference for the shallow side, Avoids the deep side, shows “stretch-attend posture” (leaning forward to inspect depth)
2) Mouse with visual impairment, Enters the deep side without hesitation, Spends significant time there, Shows little or no caution
3) Blind mouse, Moves randomly between the two sides, No preference → clear indicator of blindness or severe visual loss
| Visual Cliff (What's in the box) | |
|---|---|
|
48071 |
Visual Cliff system for mice. Designed for gross visual assessment through "cliff", NOR and LOR visual tests, both spatial and non spatial (eg. colour vs position) |
In addition to the one-year Regular Warranty and in addition to the one-year product registration extended warranty, Ugo Basile offers an Optional Extended Warranty that extends the warranty period for the product for additional one or two years called “UB Care12”/“UB Care24”. Customers may purchase the “UB Care” at the maximum of 3 months after buying. For more detailed information, please contact your local representatives.
Thermal Conditioned Cabinet is an essential accessory for your TGR setup. It ensures optimal and stable environmental temperature from 0° up to 70° C (32° up to 158°F), improving test reliability and operator comfort. It holds up to two TGR units and provides insulation from light and noise, with built-in air suction and full connectivity to ANY-maze.
Thermal Conditioned Cabinet is an essential accessory for your TGR setup. It ensures optimal and stable environmental temperature from 0° up to 70° C (32° up to 158°F), improving test reliability and operator comfort. It holds up to two TGR units and provides insulation from light and noise, with built-in air suction and full connectivity to ANY-maze.
