Review of Research on Flash Blindness, Chorioretinal Burns, Countermeasures, and Related Topics

摘要

The problem of flash blindness and chorioretinal burns resulting from exposure to the intense energy pulse from a nuclear fireball has been recognized asa potential threat to certain military and civilian population groups. The threat extends for many miles beyond the range where other immediate nuclear effects may be encountered. A considerable amount of research has been done to determine the thresholds for ocular effects and to develop countermeasures. However, additional efforts are required to assess the operational significance of visual impairment and to develop devices which will provide effective protection for larger population segments. Therefore, a need exists to disseminate critical information to various research and planning agencies. A comprehensive, unclassified review of this problem was prepared, including information from classified weapons test reports. This review includes data on energy production, transmission, and absorption, ocular effects, countermeasure devices, and the variables used to make operational assessments of visual impairment. (Author)