Categorical similarity modulates temporal integration in the attentional blink

Temporal integration of target features across and within trials in the attentional blink

Attentional blink research has typically investigated attentional limitations in multiple target processing. The current study investigated the temporal integration of target features in the attentional blink. Across two experiments, we demonstrated that the orientation estimations of individual target items in the attentional blink paradigm were systematically biased. Specifically, there was evidence for both within- and across-trial biases, revealing a general bias towards previously presented stimuli. Moreover, both biases were found to be more salient for targets suffering from the attentional blink. The current study is the first to demonstrate an across-trial bias in responses in the attentional blink paradigm. This set of findings is in line with the literature, suggesting that the human visual system can implicitly summarize information presented over time, which may lead to biases. By investigating temporal integration in the attentional blink, we have been able to address the modulatory role of attention on biases imposed by the implicit temporal effects in estimation tasks. Our findings may inform future research on attentional blink, serial dependence, and ensemble perception.

Is Reading Performance Impaired in Glaucoma Patients With Preserved Central Vision?

PRECIS

Although this sample with glaucoma had preserved central vision, they presented worse reading performance compared with similarly aged controls.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether patients with glaucoma with preserved central vision have impaired reading performance compared with healthy controls.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of 35 patients with glaucoma and 32 similarly aged controls with visual acuity better than 0.4 logMAR in both eyes. Each participant had a detailed ophthalmological examination followed by a 5-chart reading performance test using a Portuguese version of the Minnesota Low Vision Reading Test (MNREAD). Correlation between reading performance (reading speed) and ocular parameters was investigated.

RESULTS

Participants had an average age of 63.0±12.6 years. In the glaucoma group, mean deviation in the better and worse eyes was -6.29±6.36 and -11.08±0.23 dB, respectively. There was no significant difference in age, sex, rage, education, visual acuity, or systemic comorbidities between groups. Participants with glaucoma had significantly slower reading speeds, with an average of 83.2±25.12 compared with 102.29±29.57 words per minute in controls (P=0.006). Reading speed was slower for all 5 charts. Odds of glaucoma increased by 1.29 (95% confidence interval, 1.07-1.56; P=0.009) for each 10 words per minute decrease in average reading speed, with this relationship maintained after accounting for age, schooling, and visual acuity.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with mild to moderate glaucoma had worse reading performance compared with similarly aged controls, despite both having preserved central vision.