The Effects of Foveal Load on Peripheral Visual Sensitivity

Abstract

The main objective of the research was to investigate the effects of load on peripheral sensitivity in the visual field. Foveal load was varied by using simple fixation of a vs. a first-order (rate) compensatory tracking task. Peripheral sensitivity was determined simultaneously for light flashes located at different eccentricities along the horizontal meridian. The effects of training on the tracking task were also examined. In general, the results showed no losses in peripheral sensitivity under the experimental conditions employed, contrary to data from previous studies.