Adaption to Blur in Myopic and Emmetropic Individuals

Abstract

Background: The human eye is known to adapt adequately to a number of different changes in the environment to the point were the perceived blur can lessen noticeably. In this experiment we looked at the respective abilities individuals with myopia (nearsightedness) and emmetropia (normal visual acuity) to adjust to artificially-administered blur. We hypothesized that the myopic participants would be more adept at adapting quickly to changes than their emmetropic counterparts. Methods: We used a computer program in which participants (a total of twelve altogether) evaluated the relative difference in shade between two differently sized dots. When the subject marked that the first circle was lighter it darkened and when he or she marked it as darker it lightened for the next trial.. Then, using prescription lenses added to special glasses, we blurred their vision and had them repeat the process. Conclusions: Comparing the results between the group of nearsighted participants and normal-sighted participants we found that emmetrope seem to be more affected by external blurs than myopes as we hypothesized. We propose this could be due to reoccurring exposure to sudden blurs experienced by the latter group.