Modulation transfer function formula for different age ranges.

The modulation transfer function (MTF) is one of the most complete tools to study the optical performance of the eye. We present the average radial MTF profiles measured in 68 subjects grouped in six age ranges (from 20 to 80 years) and a general formula to estimate the radial profile of human MTF as a function of pupil size and age. The mean MTF for each age group was fitted to an analytical expression to compute two parameters related to aging. The proposed formula fitted reasonably well to experimental data available in previous works and predicted the average changes with aging of different optical quality parameters obtained from MTF.

Optical stimulation systems for studying human vision.

This chapter describes the most common setups that scientists use for generating light stimulation, from lab-made approaches to commercially available technologies. The studied optical stimulation systems are divided into nonimage-forming and image-forming arrangements. Two classical systems widely used are among the first: the Maxwellian view system and the Ganzfeld stimulator. Between the image-forming arrangements, the focus is on approaches that consider off-the-shelf devices and the recent appearance of multi-primary displays, which allow the inclusion of more primaries and the generation of stimulation for independent and combined photoreceptor and postreceptoral excitations. Some of the several limitations that can have important implications in research practice are also examined, such as those related to color gamut, sampling frequency, light range, and spatial resolution. Since experimentation on how optical radiation is processed by the human neural system requires the reliability of the parameters and variables under study to be assured, the characterization and consequent calibration of experimental devices are essential. Therefore the chapter discusses a set of characterization and calibration principles that researchers should consider when carrying out experiments with the described optical stimulators. Outstanding characteristics are stimulator response curve, primaries' spectral power distribution, additivity, modulation transfer function, and temporal stability. Finally, some possible sources of artifacts that researchers should consider when these stimulators are used are presented. Throughout this last section, data based on different optical stimulator measurements is provided.

Implementation of the Frequency Scatter Index in Clinical Commercially Available Double-pass Systems.

A previous work has reported a methodology to quantify intraocular scattering using a high sensitivity double-pass instrument with a robust index, the frequency scatter index. The purpose of our study was to evaluate an adaptation of the frequency scatter index for use in clinical double-pass systems. A prospective observational study was carried out in a group of patients with nuclear cataracts (n = 52) and in a control group (n = 11) using conventional double-pass systems. The frequency scatter index and the objective scatter index were used to assess the scattering. The Spearman coefficient was calculated to assess the correlation between both indexes, obtained from the double-pass images. Simultaneous measurements were performed with a double-pass and with a Hartmann-Shack wavefront sensor in the control group. The root-mean-square wavefront error and the full width at half maximum of the double-pass image were used to quantify the residual aberrations introduced by the variations in pupil size and retinal eccentricity. Measurement in eyes with different grades of cataracts shows a strong correlation (ρ = 0.929, p < .0001) between the frequency scatter index and the objective scatter index. A certain degree of correlation was observed between the objective scatter index and the root-mean-square and between the objective scatter index and the full width at half maximum, both for measurements with a different pupillary diameter and with a different retinal eccentricity (p < .05). No relationship was observed between the frequency scatter index and the root-mean-square or between the frequency scatter index and the full width at half maximum (p > .05). We have introduced and evaluated an adaptation of a methodology proposed recently for the measurement of intraocular scattering using the double-pass technique with a robust index, which is less affected by ocular aberrations. The frequency scatter index can be applied to conventional double-pass instruments available in clinical environments.

Determination of the optimum double-pass image through focus operators.

A set of autofocus operators (AFO) are assessed for their ability to determine the optimal double-pass image as well as their potential to detect the focus lines and the disc of least confusion in astigmatic eyes. Eight AFO and three optical quality parameters (OQP) often used to analyze double-pass aerial images were considered. To quantify the discriminative power of each AFO and OQP, a maximum discrimination (MD) parameter was proposed. Double-pass images were obtained from an artificial eye with an induced astigmatism (Cylinder: -1 D, -0.75 D, 0.75 D, 1 D) and without astigmatism (Sphere: 0.1 D) and from 19 eyes of subjects with different refractions. The MD values for the autofocus operators Tenengrad variance and Gray level local variance were the highest for the artificial eye with and without astigmatism. In the case of astigmatic eyes, the discrimination of the focus lines with the autofocus operator Tenengrad variance was better than with OQP.

Straylight and Visual Quality on Early Nuclear and Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts.

PURPOSE: To measure log(s) and OSI parameters, both related to forward light scattering in the eye, in subjects with different kinds of early cataracts-nuclear or posterior subcapsular-and corrected visual acuity (CVA). METHODS: 34 eyes of 19 patients ranged between 50 and 75 years old with diagnosed nuclear (14 eyes) or posterior subcapsular cataract (20 eyes) were recruited. Only NO1, NO2, P1, and P2 opacity scores according to LOCS III were included. Observer examination included visual acuity, contrast threshold (Ct), and measurements performed by straylightmeter (straylight parameter log(s)) and double-pass instrument (objective scatter index (OSI)). RESULTS: OSI and log(s) were correlated with LOCSIII in nuclear opacities (p = 0.015 and 0.004, respectively) and in the whole data (p = 0.027 and 0.019, respectively) but did not for posterior subcapsular opacities alone. OSI was strongly correlated with log(s) in nuclear (r = 0.885 and p < 0.001) but not in posterior subcapsular cases (r = 0.382 and p = 0.097). Ct was correlated with log(s) for both cataract types (p = 0.043 for nuclear and p= 0.005 for posterior subcapsular cataract) but not with OSI (p = 0.093 for nuclear and p = 0.064 for posterior subcapsular cataract). CONCLUSIONS: OSI and log(s) discriminate early stages of nuclear cataracts when taking LOCS III as reference, so these opacities could be graded by any of those parameters. LOCSIII does not represent the visual condition for posterior subcapsular cataract. Straylightmeter measurements express the loss in contrast sensitivity caused by nuclear and posterior subcapsular opacities. Studies of lens opacities must be separated according to the type of opacity present in eyes.

Discrimination between surgical and nonsurgical nuclear cataracts based on ROC analysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this article is to propose a quantitative methodology for determining a criterion to discriminate the nonsurgical nuclear cataract from the surgical one taking into account objective measures of intraocular scattering in patients with good visual acuity (>0.6). METHODS: Two groups of subjects were taken into account: a control group and a group with nuclear cataracts. At a first stage, eyes belonging to the cataract group were classified into "nonsurgical" and "surgical" cataracts by ophthalmologists at their clinical settings. At a second stage a double-pass instrument was also used to determine the objective scatter index (OSI) at the laboratory. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to analyze OSI values to determine a value able to separate between nonsurgical and surgical cataracts. RESULTS: We obtained statistically significant differences among the control and both nuclear cataract groups (p < 0.05). ROC curves determined an OSI criterion level (of 2.1) to suggest surgery in nuclear cataracts with an area under curve of 0.83, i.e. with 80% of sensitivity and 80% of specificity. CONCLUSIONS: ROC analysis allows separating both groups of nuclear cataract, and we determined a value of OSI in nuclear cataract quantification for surgery.

Functional vision barriers: a new concept analyzed in terms of human visual performance

In this work we introduce a new category of barriers that we call "functional vision barriers." This expression refers to lighting and visual elements that may complicate or hinder functional vision and may make life even more difficult for people with visual defects. These barriers appear as a consequence of certain negative effects caused by the poor design of the visual stimulus or visual environment that surrounds it in which lighting is one of the main factors. We use the term "functional vision" because this expression refers to the ability of the visual system to perform everyday tasks. We analyzed some of our previous results with regard to situations that can be considered "functional vision barriers": (1) stimuli with low luminance contrast information in which the addition of chromatic contrast improves visual performance and (2) tasks that are performed in the presence of a glare source in the visual field, diminishing visual performance and reducing brightness perception...

Functional vision barriers: a new concept analyzed in terms of human visual performance

In this work we introduce a new category of barriers that we call "functional vision barriers." This expression refers to lighting and visual elements that may complicate or hinder functional vision and may make life even more difficult for people with visual defects. These barriers appear as a consequence of certain negative effects caused by the poor design of the visual stimulus or visual environment that surrounds it in which lighting is one of the main factors. We use the term "functional vision" because this expression refers to the ability of the visual system to perform everyday tasks. We analyzed some of our previous results with regard to situations that can be considered "functional vision barriers": (1) stimuli with low luminance contrast information in which the addition of chromatic contrast improves visual performance and (2) tasks that are performed in the presence of a glare source in the visual field, diminishing visual performance and reducing brightness perception.(AU)

Veiling luminance as a descriptor of brightness reduction caused by transient glare.

The presence of a glare source in the visual field produces a veiling luminance (L(v)), which generates a brightness reduction that can be expressed in terms of the glare index (V). The relation between the veiling luminance caused by glare and the apparent brightness reduction of a reference target has already been established for steady conditions. In this paper, the relationship is derived for transient glare. First, the relation is tested empirically, and then previous results concerning the effect of transient glare on brightness are summarized and analyzed. From this analysis, a power function relation between L(v) and V is encountered.

Time course of brightness under transient glare condition.

It was shown that a peripheral glare source reduces the brightness of a foveal stimulus. We hypothesized that this brightness reduction is governed by an inhibitory effect of the glare source on the test. We reported the results of an investigation of the dynamic of brightness reduction of an incremental stimulus immediately after the onset of a glare source in the field of view. A magnitude comparison paradigm using constant stimuli was adopted to determine the luminance that appeared equal in brightness to the standard patch. The luminance of the standard stimulus was in the mesopic range (0.5 cd/m2), and the levels of glare were 15 and 60 lx. Results showed that the time course of brightness reduction followed the typical shape attributed to the Broca-Sulzer effect. Data were fitted with a model that first considers the response of a peripheral ganglion cell to glare and then its inhibitory effect on the test signals. We discussed the plausibility of a postretinal stage of processing.