Pattern-Induced Visual Discomfort and Its Temporal Summation Revealed by Pupillary Measures

Abstract

Viewing repetitive striped patterns can induce pattern glare, experienced as visual discomfort (VD). While previous studies examined either pupillary responses or VD separately, few have investigated how they covary or evolve with repeated exposure. This study tested whether pupillary dynamics could serve as an objective "aversometer" -- a physiological marker of individual visual sensitivity beyond subjective reports. Across four experiments (preliminary: n = 97; main: n = 70 for spatial frequency, n = 46 for central field size, n = 36 for central blank, with partial overlap), we manipulated spatial frequency, central field size, and surround field size of square-wave gratings (0.5-3 s) while measuring both discomfort and pupil size. Higher spatial frequencies and larger pattern areas elicited stronger pupillary constriction and greater discomfort, whereas repeated exposures produced cumulative increases in discomfort and decreases in baseline pupil size, consistent with visual strain rather than adaptation. To assess the potential of pupillometry as an aversometer, we examined individual differences in the main spatial-frequency experiment (controlled viewing distance, n = 42). A paradoxical pattern emerged: within participants, stronger stimuli produced greater constriction, but individuals with higher overall discomfort showed weaker constriction and stronger late redilation. Similar dissociations between subjective sensitivity and pupillary responses have been noted in studies of light-induced discomfort, suggesting that related mechanisms may contribute, although their specific physiological basis remains unclear. Overall, our findings clarify how pattern-induced discomfort evolves over time and across individuals and highlight pupillometrys potential as a sensitive, objective tool for assessing visual sensitivity. HighlightsO_LIStriped patterns systematically increased discomfort and pupillary constriction C_LIO_LIRepeated exposure led to progressive discomfort and shrinking baseline pupil C_LIO_LIAmong high-sensitivity participants, weaker constriction and stronger redilation appeared C_LIO_LIThe paradox may reflect interindividual autonomic differences under visual stress C_LIO_LIPupillometry shows promise as an objective marker of visual sensitivity C_LI