Cell Phones and Peripheral Vision

We live in a pretty technology-focused world…and that only seems to be increasing. Years ago if you had told housewives that their middle school children would all have – or have access to – their own, portable telephones they might have laughed. But nowadays cell phones are such an integrated part of our lives that it’s hard to imagine life without them. However, as with many things, too much of a good thing can be detrimental.

A recent study done by optometrists from the Southern College of Optometry, Northeastern State University–Oklahoma College of Optometry, and a private optometry practice has shown that cell phone use distracts a person’s cognitive ability to assess information. Forty subjects were studied and tested during a cell phone conversation and then again while focusing only on the tests. Subjects displayed significant visual field constriction with cell phone use, and the optometrists concluded that cell phone conversations tend to artificially constrict the peripheral awareness as measured by a visual field. These results are, of course, especially important when considering using cell phones while driving or operating machinery.

Do you use your cell phone while driving?