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Perceptual Center-Surround Contrast Suppression in Adolescence
Bao N Nguyen1, Bhavatharini Ramakrishnan2, Anuradha Narayanan2
1Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|May 18, 2023
Summary
Adolescent visual systems show weaker center-surround contrast suppression than adults. This study tracked perceptual changes in visual processing from preteen to adulthood, revealing developmental differences in visual perception.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Visual Perception
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Center-surround contrast suppression is a visual phenomenon analogous to neurophysiology.
- Surround suppression is affected by various neurological conditions and neurotransmitters.
- Adolescence involves neurotransmitter changes impacting visual cortex excitation-inhibition balance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate perceptual changes in center-surround contrast suppression during early adolescence.
- To compare visual processing in preteen, adolescent, and adult populations.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 196 students aged 10-17 and 30 adults (21-34).
- Measurement of contrast discrimination thresholds for a central grating with and without surround.
- Calculation of individual suppression strength by comparing perceived contrast with and without surround.
Main Results:
- An effect of age on perceptual center-surround contrast suppression strength was observed (F(8,201) = 2.30, P = 0.02).
- Youngest adolescents exhibited weaker suppression compared to adults (e.g., adults vs. 12-year-olds, P = 0.01; adults vs. 13-year-olds, P = 0.002).
Conclusions:
- Early adolescence is associated with distinct center-surround interactions in the visual system compared to adulthood.
- These findings highlight developmental changes in a fundamental aspect of visual perception.
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