International Guidelines for Photosensitive Epilepsy: Gap Analysis and Recommendations.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Media Technology
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Photosensitive epilepsy (PSE) can be triggered by flashing lights and patterns in media.
• Existing guidelines for media safety exist from the U.K., Japan, ISO, ITU, and W3C, created since the mid-1990s.
• These guidelines are not fully harmonized and may not account for technological advancements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare and clarify existing international guidelines for photosensitive epilepsy content.
• To identify changes in risk factors due to evolving display technology.
• To propose updated guidelines and thresholds for new technological characteristics.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of existing photosensitive epilepsy safety guidelines.
• Review of technological advancements impacting visual stimuli risk.
• Identification of knowledge gaps and emerging risk factors.

Main Results:

• Existing guidelines address similar risks but lack harmonization and are outdated.
• Display technology advancements have reduced some risks associated with flashing content.
• New characteristics like flash transition duration and synchronicity require consideration.

Conclusions:

• Updated guidelines are needed to address technological changes and ensure content safety for individuals with photosensitive epilepsy.
• Proposed working values for new thresholds can enhance current safety standards.
• Harmonized and updated guidelines will reduce confusion and improve risk management for flashing content.