Far too often, professionals focus almost solely on individuals' needs for magnification level for reading. Visual acuities are measured and decisions are made for low vision devices largely on the basis of acuity levels. Contrast sensitivity function is often overlooked as a critical need for and predictor of the selection and preference for low…

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in Americans aged 60 and older. The loss of central vision from AMD can decrease visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, glare sensitivity, color discrimination, and the ability to adapt to changes in lighting conditions. Older adults with vision loss often have other chronic,…

Imaging of artwork is an important aspect of art conservation, technical art history, and art authentication. Many forms of near-infrared (NIR) imaging are used by conservators, archaeologists, forensic scientists, and technical art historians to examine the underdrawings of paintings, to detect damages and restorations, to enhance faded or…

Hyoscine skin patches diminish salivation by their anticholinergic action. The aim of reporting this case series is to present the ophthalmic side effects in children, and to highlight the precautions to take. Five children (two males, three females; age range 8-18y) with quadriplegic cerebral palsy (Gross Motor Function Classification System…

Describes recent experiments at Cornell University; at schools in East Cleveland, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Kentucky; and at Middle Island School in Brookhaven, New York. (MLF)

The study assessed variations in the indoor and outdoor locomotor mobility of 22 low-vision adults, under normal and reduced illumination. Subjects' visual fields and contrast sensitivities accounted for 39 percent of the variation in mobility performance, whereas their visual acuities were not related to mobility performance. (Author/JDD)

The role of reflected glare and visual viewing angles in near task performance is discussed, and following statements are reported--(1) a worker at a desk normally assumes a position in which his eyes traverse an area of work extending from a point approximately vertically below his eyes to a point not more than 40 degrees from the vertical, (2) a…

The author coordinates the many diverse branches of knowledge which have dealt with the field of lighting--physiology, psychology, engineering, physics, and architectural design. Part I, "The Elements of Architectural Physics", discusses the physiological aspects of lighting, visual performance, lighting design, calculations and measurements of…

This review is one in a series intended to develop methods which maximize the use of the existing scientific literature as a basis for predicting human performance. It is concerned with sensory performance in target detection, defined in terms of the "probability of detection" of a flash of light. Two conditions of detection are…

Poor lighting conditions in classrooms result not only from low intensity light but also from too high intensity light, an uneven distribution of light, and glare. Since visual tasks in a classroom constitute 62 percent of a student's time in school, suggestions are made of ways lighting conditions can be improved. The principles and…

Some visually handicapped persons have difficulty reading or writing even with the aid of eyeglasses, but could be helped by visual aids which increase image magnification, light intensity or brightness, or some combination of these factors. The system described here uses closed circuit television (CCTV) to provide variable magnification from 1.4x…