The following is a summary of “Visual search in naturalistic scenes from foveal to peripheral vision: A comparison between dynamic and static displays,” published in the January 2022 issue of Ophthalmology by Nuthmann, et al.

The importance of foveal, parafoveal, and peripheral vision varies depending on the task. For example, for object and letter searches in static images, peripheral vision is essential for efficient search guidance, while foveal vision is less important. To expand on this study, researchers investigated visual search in complex dynamic and static naturalistic scenes using gaze-contingent Blindspots and Spotlights. 

In Experiment 1, dynamic scenes were used, while in Experiments 2 and 3, dynamic and static scenes were compared. Each scene had a contextually irrelevant target, and scene motion was not predictive of the target location.

The results showed that foveal and central vision was optional in dynamic scenes to attain normal search proficiency. However, the first saccade was guided by motion in the scene, although this effect was short-lived. 

Experiment 2 showed differences in verification times between dynamic and static scenes when motion was present or absent in foveal or central vision. Experiment 3 showed that as scenes’ visual complexity and motion increased, the differences between dynamic and static scenes became less pronounced.

Overall, the study provided insight into how the visual system processes complex dynamic and static naturalistic scenes during visual search. The results suggested that peripheral vision plays a crucial role in efficient search guidance, and task-irrelevant motion can affect attention and gaze, but its effects are short-lived.

Reference: jov.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2778288