Vision, imaging and standardization

Abstract:

When the introduction of computer technology led to unexpected visual and skeletomuscular complaints, users became aware of limits in the capabilities of their eyes and body posture. This led to international standardization efforts, among others by an International Standardization Organization (ISO) Working Group “Visual Display Requirements”, developing strategies to help to cope with these limits.

With increasing knowledge about visual deficits and disorders, and changes in vision with age, efforts were initiated to achieve adaptations in the standards and to increase accessibility. Later, the appearance of applications such as 3D TV and video games extended the demands on visual capabilities. This meant that new deficits were found, which recently led to an ISO Working Group “Image Safety”, with the goal of minimizing (i) photosensitive seizures from electronic displays, (ii) visual fatigue from stereoscopic images, and (iii) visually-induced motion sickness. A few days ago I chaired a meeting here in San Francisco of this Working Group, and the more general “Visual Display Requirements” group. Developments in medical science and technology make coping with ever more visual aging manifestations, such as cataract, possible and necessary. But cataract operations can cause unusual and often neglected visual phenomena, as I have experienced myself, and ought to be accompanied by better advice and guidance for cataract patients, requiring closer interactions between the ISO and vision scientists and clinicians.