Abstract
Temporal performance parameters vary across the visual field. Their topographical distributions relative to each other and relative to basic visual performance measures and their relative change over the life span are unknown. Our goal was to characterize the topography and age-related change of temporal performance. We acquired visual field maps in 95 healthy participants (age: 10–90 years): perimetric thresholds, double-pulse resolution (DPR), reaction times (RTs), and letter contrast thresholds. DPR and perimetric thresholds increased with eccentricity and age; the periphery showed a more pronounced age-related increase than the center. RT increased only slightly and uniformly with eccentricity. It remained almost constant up to the age of 60, a marked change occurring only above 80. Overall, age was a poor predictor of functionality. Performance decline could be explained only in part by the aging of the retina and optic media. In Part II, we therefore examine higher visual and cognitive functions.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.3758/s13414-012-0278-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Highlights
IntroductionThe study presented here is based on a large data set of maps of visual functions, as well as cognitive variables, with the intent of characterizing the topographies of visual performance variables and their change over the life span
Background and motivation of the studyThe study presented here is based on a large data set of maps of visual functions, as well as cognitive variables, with the intent of characterizing the topographies of visual performance variables and their change over the life span
We look at variation over eccentricity and over age and, further, at the interactions between eccentricity and age
Summary
The study presented here is based on a large data set of maps of visual functions, as well as cognitive variables, with the intent of characterizing the topographies of visual performance variables and their change over the life span. This study is the first to analyze visual variables of temporal processing topographically, and across the life span and, in addition, to describe interactions with cognitive variables. Part I focuses on the description and interpretation of the topographical variables of temporal processing and light detection, together with their variation over the life span. Part II relates cognitive variables, visual attention, to the psychophysical data from Part I. This unique data set will provide a solid basis of comparison for psychophysical and clinical
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