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

    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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