Effects of a Laser-Induced Temporary Scotoma on Target Acquisition Performance

摘要

Lasers commonly used in industry and the military are increasingly beingrecognized as possible hazards to vision and visually guided tasks. This study examined the effects of laser-induced visual loss on target acquisition performance. An argon laser was used to produce a temporary central scotoma. Observers searched for variable-contrast aircraft that were embedded in backgrounds of differing complexity. The laser exposures increased acquisition