Optical Filter Effects on Night Vision Goggle Acuity and Preservation of Dark Adaptation

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Optical filter effects on night vision goggle acuity and preservation of ark adaptation.
Aviat Space Environ Med 2010; 81: 869 – 72 .


Roger S. Thomas , Steve T. Wright , Patrick J. Clark ,
William T. Thompson , and John M. Gooch

The high output of night vision goggles (NVGs) can cause a loss of dark adaptation, resulting in suboptimal unaided vision. Optical filters have been designed to mitigate this problem by changing the overall output characteristics of the NVGs. Methods: Several aspects of visual performance related to NVG use were studied in a repeated measures design, fi lters versus no fi lters. NVG acuity was assessed using a 25% contrast chart, while preservation of dark adaptation after NVG use was measured with a scotopic sensitivity tester (SST) and a low luminance acuity chart. Testing was accomplished at two light levels, roughly corresponding to starlight and quarter moon conditions. Results: Use of the filters resulted in a statistically signifi cant loss of acuity of about a 1/2 line (approximately 2.5 letters) at both light levels. The second part of the study identified a 47% improvement in preservation of dark adaptation under simulated starlight conditions and a 31% improvement under simulated quarter moon conditions with fi lter use; however, only the starlight finding was statistically signifi cant. No significant differences in performance were seen with the low luminance chart.
Discussion:
Despite a small loss of visual acuity with filter use, the improvement in retention of dark adaptation may be benefi cial in certain operational environments. Aviators, airmen, and commanders should evaluate how the potential for slightly poorer visual acuity and improved recovery of dark adapted vision relates to their mission specifi c requirements prior to implementing use of NVG filters.