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E S MacMillan

Publications and source records attributed to E S MacMillan.

4 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Loss of visual acuity is the main reason why reading addition increases after the age of sixty.

PURPOSE: To determine why the reading addition increases after the age of 55 to 60 years when accommodation is zero. METHODS: Distance and near visual acuities, arm length, habitual near working distance, reading addition, and pupil diameter were measured in 44 subjects aged >60 years (mean, 72.9 +/- 5.7). Reading addition values were attained using three techniques: least-plus addition using both N-notation text and MN-READ text and the cross-cylinder technique. RESULTS: The mean dioptric working distance was 2.75 +/- 0.40 D. The reading addition found using N-notation text (+2.21 +/- 0.38 D) was significantly lower than that measured using MN-READ text (+2.48 +/- 0.49 D) or the cross-cylinder method (+2.53 +/- 0.44 D). The reading addition was positively correlated with the dioptric working distance (r = 0.47, p < 0.01), and decreasing habitual working distance was associated with poorer visual acuity (r = -0.42, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that decreases in near visual acuity after 60 years of age lead to a reduction in habitual working distance, which increases text angular subtense. In turn, the reduced working distance requires a greater reading addition. Increases in depth of field associated with both suprathreshold text (N-notation) and lower visual acuity lead to reading additions being less than the dioptric working distance.

Accommodation, Ocular↗
PubMed1994

The simultaneous interocular brightness sense test. A test of optic nerve function.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and establish control data from controls for a simultaneous interocular brightness sense test in which the apparent brightness of two independently viewed light patches was compared. DESIGN: Dichoptic viewing was achieved by dissociation of right and left eyes using a septum and cross-polarization. Brightness matches were obtained by using adjustments to the illumination of the left retina while the illumination of the right retina was kept constant. OBSERVERS: Ninety-one control observers (age range, 20 to 91 years) participated in the study to provide normal brightness-matching data. RESULTS: Effects from ocular dominance, age, and long- and short-term adaptation were negligible, but the test was sensitive to anisocoria. Just noticeable differences in dichoptic brightness matching were proportional to retinal illuminance; this finding was consistent with the Weber-Fechner law. CONCLUSION: The test is quick and simple to complete and appears to offer considerable scope for the assessment of visual function when differences in the functional integrity of the optic nerves of the right and left eyes are suspected.

Adaptation, Ocular↗
PubMed1994

Simultaneous interocular brightness sense testing in ocular hypertension and glaucoma.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the performance of the simultaneous interocular brightness sense test in patients with ocular hypertension and primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). DESIGN: Brightness matches were obtained for an age-matched control sample and for patients with ocular hypertension and POAG. In addition, for the patients with POAG, visual field defects were quantified and a risk factor count was established for those with ocular hypertension. PATIENTS: Nineteen patients with ocular hypertension, 20 patients with POAG, and 61 age-matched controls participated in the study. RESULTS: Seven patients with ocular hypertension exhibited brightness perception asymmetry outside normal limits for age-matched controls. Of these, six were at high risk of having glaucoma develop and only one of the remaining 12 was found to be at similar risk. All 20 patients with established POAG had results outside the normal limits for a test sensitivity of 100%. Three control observers had abnormal results, giving a test specificity of 95%. CONCLUSION: The simultaneous interocular brightness sense test is quick and simple to perform and is suitable for a wide age range of patients. It warrants further assessment as a means of screening for ocular hypertension and glaucoma.

Adult↗