title: Optical filter effects on night vision goggle acuity and preservation of dark adaptation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  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, filters versus no filters. 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 significant 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 filter use; however, only the starlight finding was statistically significant. No significant differences in performance were seen with the low luminance chart.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Despite a small loss of visual acuity with filter use, the improvement in retention of dark adaptation may be beneficial 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 specific requirements prior to implementing use of NVG filters.
authors.affiliation: U.S. Air Force Aeromedical Consultation Service, Brooks City-Base, TX, USA. roger2525@gmail.com
authors.forename: Roger S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: Steve T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.forename: Patrick J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Clark
authors.forename: William T
authors.initials: WT
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.forename: John M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Gooch
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015350:Contrast Sensitivity; D003623:Dark Adaptation; D004867:Equipment Design; D005135:Eye Protective Devices / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005139:Eyeglasses / Q000009:adverse effects; D005374:Filtration / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D055254:Night Vision