Citation

Strohbeck-Kühner P, Thieme CM. Blutalkohol 1998; 35(3): 183-194.

Affiliation

Inst. Rechtsmedizin/Verkehrsmedizin, Verkehrsmedizin/Verkehrspsychologie, Klinikum der Universitat Heidelberg, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1998, International Committee on Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety and Bund gegen Alkohol und Drogen im Straßenverkehr, Publisher Steintor Verlag)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The purpose of this experimental study was to examine the influence of low to moderate alcohol levels (0.65 (per mille),) on the detection of light signals in different parts of the visual field. The study was conducted by using the Tubinger Automatik Perimeter (TAP 2000 ct; Oculus) which allows a differentiation between the periphereal and the central vision fields. By means of the placebo controlled blind design, 32 test people were randomly assigned to the experimental group or the control group. Measurements were carried out when sober and after treatment. Results show fluctuations of both groups from the pretest to the main test. The major part of the fluctuation could be justified by different initial values in the pre-test and by changes in reaction style from pre-test to main test. After partialing out the impact of different initial values and changes in reaction style a trend remained which showed all impairing effect of alcohol on peripheral vision. There were no differences in the experimental group and the control group with regard to the central vision field. These results support an interpretation in terms of tunnel vision and there is evidence that low to moderate BAC levels can deteriorate visual perception.