Title

Contrast sensitivity in a dynamic environment: Effects of target conditions and visual impairment

Authors

Authors

G. M. Long;M. J. Zavod

Comments

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Abbreviated Journal Title

Hum. Factors

Keywords

MOVING TARGETS; EYE-MOVEMENTS; HIGHWAY SIGNS; ACUITY; RESOLUTION; GRATINGS; PURSUIT; VISION; VISIBILITY; GLAUCOMA; Behavioral Sciences; Engineering, Industrial; Ergonomics; Psychology, ; Applied; Psychology

Abstract

Contrast sensitivity was determined as a function of target velocity (0degrees- 120degrees/s) over a variety of viewing conditions. In Experiment 1, measurements of dynamic contrast sensitivity were determined for 24 male and 24 female observers as a function of target velocity for letter stimuli of 2 sizes and 2 durations. Significant main effects were found for target velocity, target size, and target duration, but significant interactions among the variables indicated especially pronounced adverse effects of increasing target velocity for small targets and brief durations. In Experiment 2, the effects of simulated cataracts on dynamic contrast sensitivity were determined for 10 male and 10 female observers. Although the simulated impairment had no effect on traditional acuity scores, dynamic contrast sensitivity was markedly reduced under all conditions but especially with the smaller targets and at higher velocities. Results are discussed in terms of dynamic contrast sensitivity as a useful composite measure of visual functioning that may provide a better overall picture of an individual's visual functioning than does traditional static acuity, dynamic acuity, or contrast sensitivity alone. The measure of dynamic contrast sensitivity may increase understanding of the practical effects of various conditions, such as aging or disease, on the visual system, or it may allow improved prediction of individuals' performance in visually dynamic situations, such as driving and sports.

Journal Title

Human Factors

Volume

44

Issue/Number

1

Publication Date

1-1-2002

Document Type

Article

Language

English

First Page

120

Last Page

132

WOS Identifier

WOS:000176620000010

ISSN

0018-7208

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