Recovery of visual discrimination after high intensity flashes of light

A new technique for the study of flash blindness is described, utilizing the Meyer-Schwickerath Zeiss light coagulator as a source of high intensity light flashes. Four subjects were exposed to illuminations ranging from 645 lux to 56,180 lux as measured at the corneal plane. Recovery was measured as the period of time required after dazzle to regain sufficient visual discrimination to perceive testing luminances of 0.06 ft/L and 0.013 ft/L. The experimental results are discussed, and the potential of this apparatus in studying the phenomenon of flash blindness is emphasized.