Effects on Stereopsis Under Different Lighting Conditions

Br Ir Orthopt J. 2026 Jan 27;22(1):1-6. doi: 10.22599/bioj.496. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Stereopsis is the ability to perceive depth through binocular vision. Artificial lighting conditions play a significant role in visual performance, yet their specific effects on stereopsis remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the effect of different light sources on stereopsis.

METHODOLOGY: Forty young adults with normal binocular vision and stereoacuity better than 40 arcseconds were included. Participants were exposed to four lighting conditions [light-emitting diode (LED), incandescent, sodium vapour, and compact fluorescent lamp (CFL)] with illumination levels set at 400 lux. Stereoacuity was measured using the Randot stereo test under these lighting conditions, with the order of exposure randomised for each participant.

RESULTS: The median stereopsis values for CFL and LED lighting were 25 arcseconds, while those for incandescent and sodium vapour lamps were 30 arcseconds. Stereoacuity was significantly worse under sodium vapour and incandescent lighting compared to CFL and LED conditions (p < 0.05). However, the stereopsis values for CFL and LED did not significantly differ from the baseline (p > 0.05). No significant differences were found between the sodium vapour and incandescent lamps (p > 0.05), nor between the CFL and LED lamps (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Sodium vapour and incandescent lighting conditions significantly impair stereopsis, while CFL and LED lighting conditions do not adversely affect stereopsis.

PMID:41623680 | PMC:PMC12857626 | DOI:10.22599/bioj.496