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EasyEyes - A new method for accurate fixation in online vision testing
Jan W Kurzawski1, Maria Pombo1, Augustin Burchell1
1Department of Psychology, New York University, New York, NY, United States.
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience
|December 14, 2023
Summary
EasyEyes software enables accurate online visual crowding measurements without gaze tracking. This novel method ensures reliable fixation, making psychophysical testing accessible to larger, diverse populations.
Area of Science:
- Psychophysics
- Human vision
- Online research methods
Background:
- Online psychophysical testing offers scalability but struggles with accurate eye fixation.
- Traditional methods like trained observers or precise gaze trackers are impractical for online studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate EasyEyes, an open-source software for reliable online measurement of peripheral visual thresholds.
- To demonstrate accurate fixation control without gaze tracking for online psychophysical experiments.
Main Methods:
- Developed EasyEyes software that uses cursor-guided crosshair tracking for fixation.
- Tested 12 naive observers in-lab (gaze-contingent, EasyEyes with EyeLink) and online (EasyEyes).
- Measured visual crowding thresholds and fixation accuracy (RMS error).
Main Results:
- EasyEyes achieved a low root mean square (RMS) fixation error of 0.6°.
- Online crowding thresholds were consistent with in-lab measurements.
- Individual differences in thresholds were conserved across testing conditions.
Conclusions:
- EasyEyes enables accurate, fixation-dependent psychophysical measurements online.
- The software eliminates the need for gaze trackers, facilitating large-scale online studies.
- This method expands the accessibility of vision research to diverse populations.
