Focus Adjustment Effects on Visual Acuity and Oculomotor Balance with Aviator Night Vision Displays

Abstract

Sixteen U.S. Army aviators, who were given training on focus adjustment technique with aviator night vision goggles (NVG), showed an improvement in visual acuity with focus adjustment compared to a fixed infinity focus control. The long-term effect of focus adjustment on vision was not measured; however, adjustment accuracy was found to be generally within acceptable limits based on computer modeling and available physiologic data. Fixed focus eyepieces that are set to a low minus power may partially compensate for instrument myopia, but they may not optimize visual acuity to the extent that adjustable focus eyepieces do. Eyepiece adjustment proficiency with present night vision devices can be improved through training that emphasizes focusing to the least possible minus dioptric power. Future night vision displays can minimize focus misadjustment by providing a tactile zero marking, a limited dioptric adjustment range, and a focusing knob capable of finer adjustment than is available with current NVGs.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 1994
Accession Number
ADA282356

Entities

People

  • John C. Kotulak
  • Stephen E. Morse

Organizations

  • United States Army Aeromedical Research Lab

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Accuracy
  • Air Force
  • Air Force Facilities
  • Army Aviation
  • Artillery
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biomedical Research
  • Classification
  • Engineering
  • Health Services
  • Military Research
  • Night Vision
  • Night Vision Devices
  • Security
  • Training
  • Visual Acuity

Readers

  • Brain and Cognitive Science; Experimental Psychology; Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Circadian Sleep-Wake Regulation and Chronobiology
  • Systems Analysis and Design