Controlled pupilar miosis to improve mesopic visual function in drivers over 40 years old

Abstract

AbstractPurpose To evaluate the influence of a diffuse illumination device located outside the field of vision that provokes a controlled pupillar miosis, on the visual acuity and contrast sensitivity in drivers tested in mesopic conditionsMethods Cross‐sectional prospective observational study in which visual Acuity 100% and 20% contrast by ETDRS Test (VA100 and VA20) and Contrast Sensitivity by Pelli‐Robson Test (CS) were evaluated in 39 drivers individuals under 40 years old and 30 drivers over 40. The study was carried out in a simulated setting for night driving with and without the interposition of the diffuse illumination deviceResults In individuals aged over 40 years, an statistically significant improvement of visual function was exhibit. Baseline visual acuity and contrast sensitivity scores were: VA100=0.02±0.18logMAR, VA20=0.21±0.2logMAR, and CS=0.62±0.32, whereas values for the interposition of diffuse illumination device were: VA100=‐0.03±0.14logMAR(p=0.02), VA20=0.19±0.17logMAR(p=0.3), and CS=0.76±0.33(p=0.0003). On the other hand, in drivers aged under 40, statistically significance was not found. In this condition, baseline visual function was: VA100=‐0.1±0.11logMAR, VA20=0.13±0.19logMAR, and CS=1.06±0.2, whereas the interposition of the mentioned system showed the following values: VA100=0.01±0.09logMAR(p=0.9), VA20=0.09±0.14logMAR(p=0.3), and CS=1.08±0.16(p=0.6)Conclusion Using diffuse illumination device in the interior of the vehicle, provides significant improvement in both high contrast visual acuity and contrast sensitivity in the group older than 40 years