The effect of videoconferencing on the depth perception of observers.
The ability of the human eye to perceive depth was measured using a specially designed instrument. Visual acuity and both monocular and binocular stereoacuity were measured when viewing the instrument directly and via a videoconferencing link. Ten subjects with an average age of 32.5 years (range 24-50) took part in the study. The group mean visual acuity using both eyes under normal test conditions was -0.04 logMAR (Snellen 6/5) compared with 0.18 logMAR (Snellen 6/10) for the video-link. The mean stereoacuity using both eyes was 37" (SD 18") under normal test conditions. When a videoconferencing link was used, the mean stereoacuity fell to 1218" (SD 1203") using one eye and to 1651" (SD 1419") using both eyes. The ability to perceive depth remotely via a video-link was significantly decreased compared with normal test conditions.
Wootton
R
R
Centre for Online Health, University of Queensland. R.Wootton@pobox.com
Collins
M
M
Loughridge
J
J
Loane
M
M
D000328:Adult; D003463:Cues; D003867:Depth Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D019114:Remote Consultation; D015348:Vision, Binocular / Q000502:physiology; D015349:Vision, Monocular / Q000502:physiology; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology