Effect of protective eyewear on reaction time in the horizontal field of vision

This study determined the effect of various models of protective eyewear on the reaction time in the horizontal field of vision. Five protective eye devices for racquet sports were selected based on design characteristics. Eyewear was presented to 64 subjects in a random order along with no eyewear. Each subject's reaction time was measured for the random presentation of the visual stimuli by releasing a depressed telegraphic key wired to a digital clock. Stimulus anticipation was controlled using an interval timer generating random time intervals. Significant differences were noted between lights, eyewear, and the interaction of lights by eyewear. No differences were found between dominant and nondominant sides or between trials. Reaction time was unaffected in the central portion of the horizontal field and affected with some of the eyewear in the peripheral portion. It was concluded that the configuration of the protective eyewear was a significant factor affecting reaction time in the horizontal field of vision.