Cold Weather Goggles. V. Acceptable Limits Of Optical Distortion

Abstract

Contrast sensitivity, acuity through binoculars, depth perception, and riflery were measured as subjects looked through goggles with various degrees of optical distortion. The amount of distortion necessary to produce a statistically significant degradation of performance was determined for each task in order to specify the maximum allowable optical distortion in goggles. The degree of distortion was quantified by projecting a Snellen chart through the goggles and determining the Snellen line which could then be read. By this criterion, the maximum permissible distortion is that which degrades acuity from 20/20 to the 20/30 line.