Sponsored by
 |
Friday, October 24
8-8:50am
Location: Casanova 605
Diet and Vision: Macular Pigment Improves Visual Performance in Glare
Macular pigment (MP), a diet-derived yellowish pigment formed by the
carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, is found in the central retina. There
is much interpersonal variation in MP level: Some people have an
extremely high density of MP (90 percent or more short-wavelength light
absorption), whereas many people are shown to have little or no MP.
Given MP’s exclusive dietary origin, this variation is probably due
primarily to dietary patterns. Detrimental effects of glaring lights on
visual function are experienced on a daily basis by nearly everyone.
These effects include visual discomfort, greatly reduced contrast, and,
in cases of extreme photostress, temporary blindness. A series of recent
studies have revealed the role of MP in improving these aspects of
visual performance in glare.
Speaker:
 James M. Stringham, Ph.D., earned
his doctorate in experimental psychology from the University of New
Hampshire. He conducted postdoctoral work in vision science and
ophthalmology at the Medical College of Georgia, and was a visiting
assistant professor at the University of Georgia. Currently, Dr.
Stringham is a senior vision scientist at Northrop Grumman Corp., in
support of the Air Force Research Laboratory. His research interests
include color vision, the effects of glare on visual performance, the
effects of diet on vision, and the brain’s ability to compensate for
loss of visual input.
|
