In modern aviation, in particular in the military context, increasingly many aviation tasks are performed at night. To improve the safety of night flights, night vision goggles (NVGs) are commonly used. This study aimed to examine whether changes in ophthalmic parameters during NVGs use vary depending on phosphor screen type (green or white coded as P43 and P45 respectively). Thirteen participants were studied during a 2-h visual task in a night vision laboratory. Before and after NVGs use, we examined visual acuity, pachymetry, critical flicker-frequency thresholds, stereoscopic and contrast vision. During the use of NVGs, visual acuity, intra-ocular pressure and eye refraction were measured. We found no difference in visual performance between NVGs with green and white phosphor screens; however, NVGs use in general may lead to subjective eye fatigue, neck pain and headaches associated with the time of wearing and the weight of the helmet with additional equipment attached. Practitioner summary Night vision goggles (NVGs), widely used to improve the safety of night flights, were examined according to the applied type of the phosphor screen. There was no difference in visual performance between a white and green phosphor screens; however, NVGs and helmet manufacturers should strive to design these devices to be as lightweight as possible. Abbreviations: ANOVA: analysis of variance; CCT: central corneal thickness; CFF: critical flicker frequency; CNS: central nervous system; CS: contrast sensitivity; FOV: field-of-view; I2: image intensifier; IOP: intra-ocular pressure; NVGs: night vision goggles; SV: stereoscopic vision; VA: visual acuity; VAS: visual analog scale.
Keywords: Military ergonomics; NVG; physical fatigue; sensory impairment; vision and lighting; wearable device.