Modulation of fluorescent light: Flicker rate and light source effects on visual performance and visual comfort

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The effects of fluorescent light spectral composition and flicker rate on visual performance and visual comfort were studied on 48 undergraduate students using two different rates of flicker: conventional low-frequency flicker (120 Hz) and high frequency flicker(between 20-60 kHz); and three different light sources; full-spectrum lamps, cool-white lamps, and filtered-cool-white lamps. The design was a 2 X 3 (Flicker rate X Light source) mixed within-between ANOVA. Visual performance and time on visual performance task were assessed using a Landolt ring task. Visual comfort was assessed by self-report after a period of reading difficult text. Visual performance scores of 18-24-year-old male and female university students were significantly higher in the high-frequency flicker condition than the low-frequency flicker condition. There were no other statistically significant effects. Health status was unrelated to visual performance. Neurophysiological explanations are discussed. The finding that an energy-efficient means of driving fluorescent lamps also can improve visual performance provides added impetus to adopt this new technology.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: