Influence of Socially Used Drugs on Vision and Vision Performance.
Abstract
Eight visual functions were measured in these experiments; twenty-seven experienced marijuana and alcohol users participated. The experiments were performed double blind with placebo controls. The results are: (1) Dynamic visual acuity is reduced in dose-related-fashion by both alcohol and marijuana; (2) Alcohol produces large, dose-related increases in time taken to recover foveal sensitivity after bright light exposure; (3) Recovery of contrast sensitivity function in the peripheral retina after exposure to a bright light flash is prolonged by 1.0 ml/kg alcohol; (4) The maximum velocity of sinusoidal tracking is markedly reduced by alcohol and not by marijuana. This effect for the smooth pursuit system and the saccadic eye movement system is dose related for both systems; (5) Using power spectrum analysis, the investigators (a technique which allows examination of individual frequency components of eye movements), we the investigators have demonstrated alcohol and marijuana induced deficits in oculomotor tracking; (6) Color discrimination appears to be significantly reduced after alcohol (1.0 ml/kg) and marijuana (15 mg THX) in the blue region without apparent change in other spectral regions; (7) Static visual acuity, is unaffected by alcohol or marijuana in doses up to 1.0 ml/kg of alcohol and 15 mg THC; and (8) Peripheral gaze nystagmus is increased after alcohol and to a lesser extent after marijuana ingestion.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA022024
Entities
People
- Anthony J. Adams
- Arthur Jamolsky
- Brian Brown
- Merton C. Flom
- Reese T. Jones