Visual Performance Research Articles

Facial Affect Recognition and Executive Function Abnormalities in ADHD Subjects: An ERP Study.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects approximately 12% of children worldwide. With a 50% chance of persistence into adulthood and associations with impairments in various domains, including social and emotional ones, early diagnosis is crucial. The exact neural substrates of ADHD are still unclear. This study aimed to reassess the behavioral and neural metrics of executive functions and neural substrates of facial affect recognition. A total of 117 ADHD patients and 183 healthy controls were evaluated by two Go/NoGo tasks: the classic visual continuous performance test and the emotional continuous performance test, which requires facial affect encoding. Group differences between ADHD subjects and healthy controls were assessed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), with age and sex included as covariates. Dependent variables comprised behavioral (number of omission and commission errors, reaction time, and reaction time variability) and neurophysiological measures (event-related potentials [ERPs]). As the main result, we identified significant differences between ADHD patients and healthy controls in all behavioral metrics, one neural marker of action inhibition (P3d) and the facial processing marker (N170). The differences were moderate-to-large when expressed as effect size measures in behavioral variables and small-to-moderate for neurophysiological variables. The small-to-moderate effect sizes obtained from the neurophysiological measures suggest that ERPs are insufficient as sole markers for effectively screening emotion and face processing abnormalities in ADHD.

Legitimacy First: Marine Le Pen’s Visual De‐Demonisation Strategies on Instagram

Recent research on populist visual communication has found a predominance of positivity in the way the populist radical right (PRR) communicates on Instagram. This counters the understanding of PRR actors as “dark” communicators, relying on appeals to negative emotions and attacks against perceived enemies and wider outgroups. This article tests the novel conceptual framework of “visual de-demonisation” that has been proposed to capture the interplay between populist strategic communication, radical right mainstreaming, and positive content on visual social media. This article uses Marine Le Pen’s Instagram account (2015–2021) as a case in point, to illustrate the dynamics of visual de-demonisation and unpack how the three angles of the strategy (legitimacy, good character, and policy) are performed visually. The study offers two contributions to the literature on populism and leadership. First, it expands theory-building around visual de-demonisation by operationalising the framework, testing its empirical application, and producing further theoretical considerations to support concept development. Second, it contributes to debates on the mainstreaming of the radical right, by empirically unpacking its visual performance and evidencing the role of legitimacy-signalling as a prominent concern of populist leaders interested in de-demonising.

A Case of Cataract Surgery after Radial Keratotomy with Enhanced Monofocal Intraocular Lens Implantation

Purpose: To report on a patient who achieved good visual performance following cataract surgery with implantation of an enhanced monofocal intraocular lens (IOL) after a previous radial keratotomy decades earlier.Case summary: A 53-year-old male, previously seen at our medical center as a glaucoma suspect, presented with decreased visual acuity in the left eye. He had radial keratotomy for myopia correction in both eyes 30 years prior at another hospital. Before cataract surgery, the distant visual acuity of his left eye was 0.5, which could not be corrected. Slit-lamp examination revealed an NO2NC2C3 (Lens Opacities Classification System III) cataract. Phacoemulsification with an enhanced monofocal IOL (ICB00; Johnson & Johnson Vision, Santa Ana, CA, USA) was performed on the left eye. One month postoperatively, uncorrected visual acuity in the left eye was 1.0 for all distances: far, intermediate (66 cm), and near (40 cm). At 3 months, uncorrected visual acuity was 1.0 for far, 0.8 for intermediate (66 cm), and 0.32 for near (33 cm).Conclusions: Eyes that have previously undergone radial keratotomy may qualify for the insertion of an enhanced monofocal IOL during cataract surgery.

Predicting high variability in imageability ratings across age groups and its influence on visual word recognition.

Imageability, an important word characteristic in the psycholinguistic literature, is typically assessed by asking participants to estimate the ease with which a word can evoke a mental image. Our aim was to explore inter-rater disagreement in normative imageability ratings. We examined the predictors of variability around average imageability ratings for young, middle-aged and older adults (Study 1) and assessed its impact on visual word recognition performance in young adults (Study 2). Analyses of French age-related imageability ratings (Ballot et al., Behavior Research Methods, 54, 196-215, 2022) revealed that inter-rater disagreement around the average imageability value was critically high for most words within the imageability norms, thus questioning the construct validity of the average rating for the most variable items. Variability in ratings changed between age groups (18-25, 26-40, 41-59, and over 60 years) and was associated with words that are longer, less frequent, learnt later in life and less emotional (Study 1). To examine the consequences of elevated standard deviations around the average imageability rating on visual word recognition, we entered this factor in a hierarchical regression alongside classic lexico-semantic predictors. The effect of word-imageability on young adults' lexical decision times (Ferrand et al., Behavior Research Methods, 50, 1285-1307, 2018) remained significant after accounting for inter-rater disagreement in imageability ratings, even when considering the least consensual words (Study 2). We conclude that imageability ratings reliably predict visual word recognition performance in young adults for large datasets, but might require caution for smaller ones. Given imageability rating differences across adulthood, further research investigating age-related differences in language processing is necessary.

The potential role of retinal slip in National Football League (NFL) officiating and its effect on on-field decision making: mechanisms and countermeasures.

Visual processing involves numerous neuro-ophthalmic pathways that enable humans to perceive and interact with the world. These visual pathways can negatively impact visual perception and decision-making. The Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex (VOR) is a compensatory mechanism that stabilizes gaze on a target during head movement, such as running or turning. However, inadequate VOR stabilization can lead to retinal slip, reducing visual acuity. In the National Football League (NFL), officials require exceptional visual training and performance. NFL officiating utilize rapid visual processing, strategic movements, and precise judgement to make accurate penalty calls in real-time. Retinal slip can adversely affect play calling and penalty assessment by NFL officials. Despite these challenges, NFL officials achieve high precision and accuracy in up to 98.9% of plays. To maintain such high standards, the NFL has implemented a standardized curriculum to mitigate the effects of VOR and retinal slip. This manuscript outlines the basics of VOR function and explores countermeasures to minimize retinal slip in NFL officiating. We believe that these scientific endeavours can improve both penalty assessment accuracy and precision. The use of these general principles might also be potentially applicable to other sports.

Glare at Night-Time Driving: Effect of Correlated Color Temperature of Led Lamps.

This study aims to analyze the effect of correlated color temperature from LED glare sources on driving performance. The evaluation includes assessing the effect of disability glare on visual reaction time and rating discomfort glare using a standardized scale. LED technology is widely incorporated into various lighting systems; however, the impact of glare from oncoming car headlamps on driving performance at night-time is crucial for road safety. Twenty-three healthy young subjects participated in a laboratory-based experiment simulating night driving using a two-channel Maxwellian view optical system. Two LED lamps with correlated color temperature of 2800K and 6500K were used to generate a glare of 52 lx. Disability glare was quantified in terms of foveal reaction time and discomfort glare was rated using the de Boer scale. The results show that glare-induced effect is mitigated by an increase in background luminance. The correlated color temperature of the LED lamp does not affect either reaction time or discomfort glare rating. The greater short-wavelength emission of 6500K lamp does not intensify the effect of disability or discomfort glare, probably due to the macular pigment absorption on foveal vision and the transparency of ocular media, coupled with the involvement of other contributing factors. The correlated color temperature of the lamp is not the best descriptive parameter to identify its effect on glare. It is important to consider the impact of LED technology on visual performance to enhance road safety in critical glare situations during night driving.

Evaluation of the peripheral visual performance of DIMS spectacle lenses versus single vision lenses.

This study evaluates differences in the visual field performance when wearing the Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS) spectacle lens compared to wearing a conventional single vision (SV) spectacle lens. Twenty-one children aged 9-14 years with spherical equivalent refraction (SER) between -1.13D to -4.75D were recruited. Mid-peripheral near visual acuity (NVA) under room lighting condition (500 lux ±10%) was measured using DIMS and SV lenses, respectively. Automated static perimetry (Zeiss, Humphrey Visual Field HFA 750i) with SITA Fast 30-2 protocol was used to investigate the visual field sensitivity. During the test, the study lens (Plano DIMS or SV lens) were inserted into the lens holder in front of the trial lenses with each child's compensated prescription. Three children were not able to complete the reliable visual tests due to fixation losses (>20%) or high false positive rate (>15%) while 18 children successfully completed the test. The mean visual field sensitivity was 29.2 ± 3.7 decibels (dB) and 29.3 ± 3.5 dB when wearing DIMS and SV lens, respectively. The mean sensitivity differences between DIMS and SV lens among 76 locations ranged from -2.4 ± 3.9 dB to 1.6 ± 3.9 dB. No statistically significant difference in sensitivity was observed across 76 locations within the central 30o between DIMS and SV lens (Wilcoxon signed rank test with bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons, p > 0.00065). Compared to SV lens, 0.05 logarithm of minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) reduction in mid-peripheral NVA in all 4 quadrants (Superior, Temporal, Inferior and nasal, p < 0.05) was noted with the DIMS lens (N = 18). However, no statistically significant correlation was found between the mid-peripheral NVA and visual sensitivity at the specific locations. Although the mid-peripheral NVA was slightly reduced using DIMS lens, wearing DIMS lens did not change the children's visual sensitivity to detect the static stimulus within 30o visual field when compared to wearing SV lens.

The Role of Experiential Learning in Science Education through Arts

Experiential learning offers a dynamic, hands-on approach to science education, aligning well with constructivist theories and emphasizing active student engagement. This paper examines how integrating the arts into science education enhances experiential learning, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and long-term knowledge retention. By engaging students through diverse artistic mediums—such as visual arts, performance, and music—educators can enhance student motivation and facilitate deeper connections with scientific concepts. This study examines strategies and case studies demonstrating effective arts integration within science curricula, discusses barriers to experiential learning, and highlights best practices that enable a creative and interdisciplinary approach to science education. Ultimately, this research suggests that the arts play a pivotal role in making science accessible and engaging, encouraging students to apply scientific principles creatively and think critically in real-world scenarios. Keywords: Experiential learning, science education, arts integration, constructivism, creativity, interdisciplinary.

Statistical biases correction in channelized Hotelling model observers

Channelized Hotelling model observers are efficient at simulating the human observer visual performance in medical imaging detection tasks. However, channelized Hotelling observers (CHO) are subject to statistical biases from zero-signal and finite-sample effects. The point estimate of the d' value is also not always symmetric with exact confidence interval (CI) bounds determined for the infinitely trained CHO. A method for correcting these statistical biases and CI asymmetry is studied. CHO d' values and CI bounds with hold-out and resubstitution methods were computed for a range of 200x200 pixels images from 20 to 10 000 images for 10, 40 and 96 channels from a set of 20 000 images with gaussian coloured simulated noise and simulated signal. The median of the non-central F cumulative distribution (F'), which is the CHO underlying statistical behaviour for the resubstitution method, was computed, and compared to d' values and CI bounds. A set of experimental data was used to evaluate F' median values. The F' median allows to get accurate corrected simulated d' values down to zero-signals. For small d' values, the variation of d' values with the inverse of number of images is not linear while the F' median allows a good correction in such conditions. The F' median is also inherently symmetric with regards to the confidence interval. With experimental data, F' median values in a range of about 1 to 10 d' values were within -0.8% to 4.7% of linearly extrapolated values at an infinite number of images. The F' median correction is an effective simultaneous correction of the zero-signal statistical bias and finite-sample statistical bias, and of confidence interval asymmetry of channelized Hotelling observers.&#xD.

Microvascular decompression in trigeminal neuralgia using a robot-assisted exoscope and head-mounted display.

Microvascular decompression (MVD) in trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is currently managed using an operating microscope (OM). Recent experiences with endoscopy-assisted, fully endoscopic, and exoscopic surgery have been described, aiming to improve ergonomics and image quality. The aim of this study was to report the first series of patients operated on with the aid of a robotic binocular exoscope using a head-mounted display (RoboticScope). From September 2023 to March 2024, 9 patients with TN were treated using the RoboticScope. A classic mini-retrosigmoid approach was performed and standard microsurgical techniques were applied. Surgical timing, ergonomics, visual performances, adverse events, and 1-month postoperative pain outcomes were evaluated. All surgeries were completed without shifting to the OM. Surgeon comfort with the RoboticScope was better compared with the OM and visualization was good. No intraoperative adverse events were recorded. The duration of the procedure was significantly shorter with the RoboticScope compared to those using the OM (median 18 vs 34 minutes, p = 0.0001). MVD can be safely and effectively performed using the RoboticScope. Surgeons benefit from better ergonomics, stereoscopic image quality, and shorter surgical duration.

Digit-in-Noise Test as a Hearing Screening Test for Individuals With Intellectual Disability.

Diagnosis of intellectual disability (ID) may overshadow, or co-occur with, hearing impairment, but screening is frequently inaccessible due to various factors that prevent successful test execution. There is a pressing need for easily, locally administered hearing tests. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of the digit-in-noise (DIN) test, as well as three variations of it, as a hearing screening for individuals with mild to moderate ID. Additionally, we explored correlations between participant characteristics and cognitive-linguistic abilities, with DIN test performance. Forty participants with ID aged 21-40 were recruited from two supported employment centres, 31 of whom met full inclusion criteria. Controls were 20 typically developed (TD) participants, aged 21-40. The original DIN test (DIN(3)) was administered, and those unable to recall the three digits were administered a version with two digits (DIN(2)). Participants unable to successfully complete DIN(3) or DIN(2) were administered versions with added visual and verbal performance feedback. A significant difference in speech receptive threshold in noise (SRTn) between DIN(2) and DIN(3) was only present for the ID group. A moderate negative relationship between DIN(2) SRTn and vocabulary and a positive relationship with age was found for the ID group; no correlation was found with digit span or matrices. The DIN(2) SRTn was correlated with the average hearing level of pure tones measured by audiometry. Our findings highlight the DIN(2) as the most effective version, as its signal-to-noise ratio (SRTn) threshold was closest to the typically developed (TD) control group. This study is the first step towards developing a hearing screening test for individuals with ID who are at elevated risk of impairment and who have insufficient evaluation access. Our findings suggest that adults with mild to moderate ID can sufficiently perform the adapted DIN(2) as a hearing screening test.

Effect of Simple Myopic Astigmatism and Its Axis on Near Visual Performance for Thai Alphabet in Pseudophakic Eyes

Effect of Simple Myopic Astigmatism and Its Axis on Near Visual Performance for Thai Alphabet in Pseudophakic Eyes

The Ability of a Virtual Implantation Device to Evaluate Two Intraocular Lens Designs.

To evaluate the ability of a novel device using virtual implantation to compare the visual performance of two different types of intraocular lenses (IOLs). In this prospective, masked, and randomized clinical trial, the visual performance of monofocal and lowadd bifocal IOLs was compared using a device for virtual implantation called VirtIOL. Eighty patients (< 50 years old with healthy eyes and without cataract) were enrolled in this study. Defocus curve and contrast sensitivity were measured using the Freiburg Vision and Contrast Test (FrACT). Expected defocus curves for the monofocal IOL and the bifocal IOL confirm the utility of the method. The monofocal IOL provided a slightly higher mean visual acuity at 0.00 diopter (D) (mean ± standard deviation: -0.18 ± 0.07 D) compared to the bifocal IOL (-0.16 ± 0.08 D), but also a slightly lower visual acuity from -1.25 to -4.00 D. The mean contrast sensitivity was significantly higher for the monofocal IOL at 7, 11, and 15 cycles per degree. The investigators attest a high usability of the method due to simple communication with the test patient and quick and uncomplicated change of test objects. The visual performance of the monofocal and bifocal IOLs was as expected, with greater depth of focus but reduced contrast sensitivity for the bifocal IOL. The VirtIOL device represents a promising tool to predict the visual performance of IOLs before implantation in patients. [J Refract Surg. 2024;40(12):e911-e915.].

Optical and Visual Performance of PWM Controlled InGaN and InGaAlP LEDs for Automotive Lighting Applications

Optical and Visual Performance of PWM Controlled InGaN and InGaAlP LEDs for Automotive Lighting Applications

Multi-objective optimization of horizontal louver systems with flat, single-curvature, and double-curvature profiles to enhance daylighting, glare control, and energy consumption in office buildings

Identifying the most optimal slat shape significantly influences the performance of louver systems in terms of daylighting, glare control, and energy consumption. This is particularly crucial in climates with high levels of solar irradiance, where thermal gain and daylight illumination highly affect buildings and occupants. This study aims to identify the optimal slat shapes for various profile types—flat, single-curvature, and double-curvature—that simultaneously reduce annual energy consumption and enhance annual daylighting and visual comfort performance in fully glazed office buildings. This goal is achieved by employing a multi-objective optimization (MOO) algorithm, NSGA-II, applied to a control-point-based algorithm designed to generate diverse slat shapes for each profile type. The main objective functions include the maximization of spatial useful daylight illuminance (sUDI) and spatial glare autonomy (sGA), as well as the minimization of energy use intensity (EUI). The MOO process results in a diverse set of Pareto optimal slat shapes for each profile type, which are subsequently ranked by a fitness function. Findings suggest that the Pareto optimal solutions within each type significantly improve the overall performance of the space compared to the base case. Specifically, among these solutions, flat profiles with the highest fitness scores enhance daylighting levels of the space to a greater extent (9.028% to 14.583%) compared to single (−2.778% to 12.5%) and double-curvature profiles (−5.556% to 9.722%) with the highest scores. Regarding glare, double-curvature profiles with the highest fitness scores provide a more visually comfortable environment for users by improving the sGA value by 19.879% to 33.247% compared to the base case. However, those with a concave-convex shape produce excessive illumination in the perimeter zone, whereas those with a convex-concave shape present challenges in providing sufficient daylight in the rear zone of the space. Additionally, applying any of the Pareto optimal solutions to the louver system reduces the annual energy consumption of the office space compared to the base model. While the improvements are almost comparable, flat profiles with the highest fitness scores marginally reduces energy consumption to a greater extent (62.906% to 68.161%).

New photochromic spectacle lenses improve glare discomfort and photostress recovery

PurposeTo investigate the influence of a new photochromic spectacle lens on glare discomfort (GD) and photostress recovery time (PRT) in normal healthy subjects. A subject-masked within-subject comparison was performed using the fully activated state of Transitions® Gen STM and clear control. Methods30 participants (M = 19.2 ± 1.3 years) were tested. GD was assessed both physically, by measuring palpebral fissure size, and subjectively, via a 5-point Likert scale. PRT was measured as the amount of time necessary to regain visual function after an intense (∼15 % bleach) 5-second exposure to a broadband (emulated sunlight) light stressor. ResultsGD, measured both physically and subjectively was significantly reduced (p < 0.001) when participants viewed the stimulus through the test lens compared to the clear control lens. PRT was also significantly reduced when using the test lens (p < 0.001). ConclusionsThese data are consistent with past findings but show that they apply to a commonly used photochromic tint. The results highlight the potential of specialized lenses to enhance visual comfort and performance in varying lighting conditions.

Intraocular lens opacification: An uncommon case scenario

Intraocular lens (IOL) opacification is a rare complication of cataract surgery. It can cause significant deterioration of visual performance. We report a case of a 50-year-old female with right eye (RE) primary IOL opacification, who presented to us 6 months after cataract surgery with whole IOL opacification. The patient was managed by RE IOL exchange. The purpose of this case report is to spread awareness about this complication related to cataract surgery and provide insight into its management.

Ultrafast adaptive optics for imaging the living human eye

Adaptive optics (AO) is a powerful method for correcting dynamic aberrations in numerous applications. When applied to the eye, it enables cellular-resolution retinal imaging and enhanced visual performance and stimulation. Most ophthalmic AO systems correct dynamic aberrations up to 1−2 Hz, the commonly-known cutoff frequency for correcting ocular aberrations. However, this frequency may be grossly underestimated for more clinically relevant scenarios where the medical impact of AO will be greatest. Unfortunately, little is known about the aberration dynamics in these scenarios. A major bottleneck has been the lack of sufficiently fast AO systems to measure and correct them. We develop an ultrafast ophthalmic AO system that increases AO bandwidth by ~30× and improves aberration power rejection magnitude by 500×. We demonstrate that this much faster ophthalmic AO is possible without sacrificing other system performances. We find that the discontinuous-exposure AO-control scheme runs 32% slower yet achieves 53% larger AO bandwidth than the commonly used continuous-exposure scheme. Using the ultrafast system, we characterize ocular aberration dynamics in six clinically-relevant scenarios and find their power spectra to be 10−100× larger than normal. We show that ultrafast AO substantially improves aberration correction and retinal imaging performance in these scenarios compared with conventional AO.

Targeted metabolomics- and transcriptomics-based investigation of carotenoid pigmentation in Phalaenopsis-Type Dendrobium hybrids

Phalaenopsis-type Dendrobium hybrids (Den-Phals) stands out as globally popular tropical orchids. Carotenoids are crucial colored phytochemicals in flowers. The coloration mechanism of carotenoids in Den-Phals flowers were investigated through targeted metabolome and transcriptome analyses. In total, 48 carotenoids were detected from 11 Den-Phals. The composition and content of carotenoids varied among these cultivars and in the different parts of the same flowers. Lutein, which improves human visual performance, had the largest content in all the samples, with an average of 52.46%, and the highest value reached 79.45%. The top 10 carotenoids, including lutein, β-carotene, neoxanthin, iolaxanthin, (E/Z)-phytoene, zeaxanthin, antheraxanthin, α-cryptoxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, and α-carotene, collectively constituted 90% of the total carotenoids content. Among them, β-carotene, rather than lutein, was correlated with the yellow hue of floral color and was considered a key pigment. Furthermore, transcriptome sequencing of two cultivars with significant difference in carotenoid contents inferred the carotenoid metabolic pathway in Den-Phals. Seven differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were isolated: phytoene synthase (PSY), carotenoid isomerase (CrtISO), ζ-carotene isomerase (Z-ISO), lycopene ε-cyclase (LCYE), β-carotene hydroxylase (BCH), zeaxanthin epoxidase (ZEP), and 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (NCED). Among these, LCYE was deemed a crucial enzyme gene, as it appears to govern lutein or β-carotene accumulating, thereby influencing yellow coloration of Den-Phals. The results offer valuable understanding of the carotenoid metabolic pathway and provide new guidance for breeding Den-Phals cultivars having both ornamental and medicinal traits.

Effectiveness of interventions for convergence insufficiency: an observational study evaluating clinical outcomes and health-related quality of life using AS20.

Convergence insufficiency (CI) is a common condition that can impair visual performance and comfort during close visual work. This observational study evaluated the effectiveness of interventions on clinical outcomes and health-related quality-of-life using the Adult Strabismus-20 (AS20) questionnaire in patients with CI. Data was extracted from a database collected at first consultation from 2015 to 2022. Demographics, interventions and outcomes of 75 patients with CI (mean age 47.2 ± 24.7 years) were analysed. Orthoptic exercises were prescribed to 58% of patients, 28% received prisms and 9% received no treatment. At the latest follow-up review, 24% were recommended to continue exercises, 24% had prisms, 1 underwent bimedial resection and 1 had treatment with Botulinum Toxin A (BTXA). The median follow-up was 5.0 (0-55) months, 100% were discharged with 25% following failure-to-attend and 11% died. At the latest follow-up, the attendance failure rate was higher for exercises (36%) than for prisms (10%). Both near-prism cover test and near-point of convergence improved from a median of 12 (95% CI 10-14) prism dioptres (PD) to 8.5 (95% CI 6-12) PD, and 17.5 (95%CI 15-20) cm to 10.0 (95%CI 8.3-12.0) cm respectively (p < 0.05). Near-prism fusion range also improved from 10(95%CI 8-14) PD to 16(95% CI 12-20) PD (p < 0.05). The median AS20 score at presentation were 100/100 (30-100) and 47.5/100 (0-100), and post-intervention were 100/100 (75-100) and 70/100 (12.5-97.5) for psychosocial and functional components, respectively. This cohort offers valuable insights into the real-life clinical management of CI in a tertiary adult strabismus centre. However, the study also found that long-term compliance with treatment is intrinsically challenging, emphasising the importance of disease education.