Comparing Estimated and Actual Visual Acuity at High and Low Luminance

Abstract

How much insight do individuals have into their own visual abilities? This study investigated the extent to which individuals from 18 to 78 years old can accurately predict their own acuity under a broad range of luminances. New psychophysically based methods were developed to facilitate direct comparisons between individuals' estimates of their own visual acuity and their actual acuity. While all age groups appreciate that reductions in luminance have negative consequences on acuity, both younger and middle-age adults underestimated their ability to see in dim conditions. Older adults, however, overestimated their ability to see. These results fail to support the hypothesis that seniors would be the most aware of their limited visual abilities at night. Future research should explore why some seniors are comfortable driving at night while others are not.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Brooks

J.O.

Tyrrell

R.A.

, (2006). Do drivers know they can steer in the dark?: An empirical test of the selective degradation hypothesis. Human Factors and Ergonomics Society's 50th Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA.

Brooks

J.O.

Tyrrell

R.A.

Frank

T.A.

(2005). The effects of severe visual challenges on steering performance in visually healthy young drivers. Optometry and Vision Science, 82(8), 689–697.

Jackson

G. R.

Owsley

McGwin

(1999). Aging and dark adaptation. Vision Research, 39, 3975–3982.

Kosnik

W. D.

Sekuler

Kline

D. W.

(1990). Self-reported visual problems of older drivers. Human Factors, 32(5), 597–608.

Leibowitz

H. W.

Owens

D. A.

(1977). Nighttime driving accidents and selective degradation. Science, 197, 422–423.

Leibowitz

H. W.

Owens

D. A.

Tyrrell

R. A.

(1998). The Assured Clear Distance Ahead Rule: Implications for nighttime traffic safety and the law. Accident Analysis & Prevention, 30(1), 93–99.

Owens

D. A.

Tyrrell

R. A.

(1999). Effects of luminance, blur, and age on nighttime visual guidance: A test of the selective degradation hypothesis. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied, 5(2), 115–128.