Stereoacuity and Binocular Correspondence

Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute, San Francisco CA

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

[unreadable] DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Given the 3D geometry, stereopsis is probably less useful for specifying the layout of the visual scene than for supplying local information about surface shape and structure. The major objective of the proposed research is to explore how stereo-defined surfaces are encoded, and their role in stereo matching and stereo sensitivity. The first aim will examine the interaction between mechanisms that encode surface edges and mechanisms that encode fine surface relief. The second aim will examine surface encoding for continuous surfaces curved in depth. Recent studies show that disparity is generally encoded with respect to a local frame-of-reference, i.e. an adjacent surface, rather than with respect to the traditional head-centered or eye-centered coordinate system used to represent absolute disparities. The third aim will examine the significance of local frames-of-reference in the context of real surfaces and objects. The experiments in this proposal will examine stereo processing in normal human observers. About 5% of the population suffers from oculomotor (strabismus) or refractive (anisometropia) disorders that threaten the development of normal stereopsis. While most individuals can cope with the loss of stereopsis, abnormal binocular development is also frequently associated with a deficit in the acuity of one eye (amblyopia) - a more serious problem. These studies of normal observers will provide basic knowledge about normal stereopsis, a prerequisite for understanding abnormalities of the binocular system [unreadable] [unreadable]