Model for predicting the effects of laser exposures and eye protection on vision

Arthur R. Menendez; Peter Alan Smith

doi:10.1117/12.17828

1 July 1990 Model for predicting the effects of laser exposures and eye protection on vision

Arthur R. Menendez, Peter Alan Smith

Proceedings Volume 1207, Laser Safety, Eyesafe Laser Systems, and Laser Eye Protection; (1990) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.17828
Event: OE/LASE '90, 1990, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Abstract

Laser safety standards and eye protection (filters) are designed to limit ocular exposures to prevent retinal lesions yet " eyesafe^" laser exposures can disrupt vision by causing glare and flashblindness. Protective filters can have opposing effects on visual function. They reduce laser exposures but also reduce task luminance and contrast. Filters alone may interfere with vision and consequently reduce work safety and performance. It is therefore important to be able to predict the effects of both laser exposures and protective filters to assess trade-offs between protection and visual function. This paper briefly reviews the methods concepts and experimental database used in our laboratory to predict laser filter and laser-plus-filter effects on tasks involving visual detection. The modeling approach uses estimates of the spatial distribution of light in the retinal image of the laser source to predict glare flashblindness and retinal lesions. It also considers the non-uniformity of visual abilities across the retina in predicting the impact of a laser exposure of a given size and retinal location. The proposed modeling approach provides a general framework for the interpretation integration and application of data from various studies. It has the potential to assess the effects of lasers and eye-protection devices on vision and to guide visualsimulations of the appearance of displays and scenes after laser exposures. The model is far from complete and is complicated by the number of variables affecting laser

Citation Download Citation

Arthur R. Menendez and Peter Alan Smith "Model for predicting the effects of laser exposures and eye protection on vision", Proc. SPIE 1207, Laser Safety, Eyesafe Laser Systems, and Laser Eye Protection, (1 July 1990); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.17828

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