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Updated: Jul 19, 2026
A Gaze-Contingent Display Framework for Perceptual Learning Research with Simulated Central Vision Loss
Published on: April 11, 2025
Perceptual issues in the use of head-mounted visual displays
Robert Patterson1, Marc D Winterbottom, Byron J Pierce
1Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4820, USA. rpatter@mail.wsu.edu
Objective:
We provide a review and analysis of much of the published literature on visual perception issues that impact the design and use of head-mounted displays (HMDs).
Background:
Unlike the previous literature on HMDs, this review draws heavily from the basic vision literature in order to help provide insight for future design solutions for HMDs.
Method:
Included in this review are articles and books found cited in other works as well as articles and books obtained from an Internet search.
Results:
Issues discussed include the effect of brightness and contrast on depth of field, dark focus, dark vergence, and perceptual constancy; the effect of accommodation-vergence synergy on perceptual constancy, eyestrain, and discomfort; the relationship of field of view to the functioning of different visual pathways and the types of visual-motor tasks mediated by them; the relationship of binocular input to visual suppression; and the importance of head movements, head tracking, and display update lag.
Conclusion:
This paper offers a set of recommendations for the design and use of HMDs.
Application:
Consideration of the basic vision literature will provide insight for future design solutions for HMDs.
