The effect of videoconferencing on the depth perception of observers

Abstract

The ability of the human eye to perceive depth was measured using a specially designed instrument. Visual acuity and both monocular and binocular stereoacuity were measured when viewing the instrument directly and via a videoconferencing link. Ten subjects with an average age of 32.5 years (range 24-50) took part in the study. The group mean visual acuity using both eyes under normal test conditions was -0.04 logMAR (Snellen 6/5) compared with 0.18 logMAR (Snellen 6/10) for the video-link. The mean stereoacuity using both eyes was 37" (SD 18") under normal test conditions. When a videoconferencing link was used, the mean stereoacuity fell to 1218" (SD 1203") using one eye and to 1651" (SD 1419") using both eyes. The ability to perceive depth remotely via a video-link was significantly decreased compared with normal test conditions.