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. 2024 Nov 1;72(Suppl 5):S875-S881.
doi: 10.4103/IJO.IJO_3318_23. Epub 2024 Oct 25.

The effect of central and peripheral luminance on visual acuity

Duong Thi Giang  1 , Tran Minh Anh  2 , Nguyen Tri Lan  3 , Nguyen Van Quan  4 , Pham Hong Duong  1
Affiliations

The effect of central and peripheral luminance on visual acuity

Duong Thi Giang et al. Indian J Ophthalmol. .

Abstract

Context: Lighting conditions significantly influence visual acuity (VA), visual function, and quality of life. Previous research highlighted a correlation between luminance and VA but left a gap in understanding the impact of surrounding luminance. This study focused on investigating the effects of both central and peripheral luminance on VA.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the influence of both central and surrounding luminance on VA through distance VA measurements.

Settings and design: A dual-component lighting system was utilized, comprising a self-illuminated ETDRS chart and a skyLED system for consistent surrounding illumination. Two experimental setups were conducted: the first varied the central luminance (25 ± 2-341 ± 10 cd/m²), while the second maintained a constant central luminance (150 ± 5 cd/m²) and varied the surrounding luminance (4 ± 2 cd/m² OFF-105 ± 10 cd/m² ON).

Methods: Sixty-six participants with refractive errors between 0.0 D and -2.75 D were tested under various lighting conditions. Both uncorrected refractive error (URE) and corrected refractive error (CRE) eyes were evaluated.

Statistical analysis used: Paired t-tests were used to evaluate the statistical significance of differences in VA scores.

Results: Experiment 1 demonstrated a significant increase in VA scores, with mean improvements of -0.120 LogMAR for URE eyes and -0.073 LogMAR for CRE eyes as chart luminance increased from 26 cd/m² to 153 cd/m². Experiment 2 further showed a notable improvement in VA scores under varied surrounding luminance conditions, with mean improvements of - 0.118 LogMAR for URE eyes and -0.073 LogMAR for CRE eyes as luminance increased from 4 cd/m² to 102 cd/m².

Conclusions: This study emphasizes the significant impact of both central and peripheral luminance on VA. The introduction of the skyLED lighting system underlines the importance of optimal lighting for visual performance.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
SkyLED lighting arrangement for visual acuity testing, including ceiling and wall illuminations
Figure 2
Figure 2
Distributions of illuminance (in black) and luminance (in red) surrounding the VA test chart
Figure 3
Figure 3
Plots of the means of difference in VA scores under reference (LR and ON) and research lighting scenes (Ln and OFF) for URE eyes
Figure 4
Figure 4
Plots of the means of difference in VA scores under reference (LR and ON) and research lighting scenes (Ln and OFF) for CRE eyes
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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