PERIPHERAL visual acuity has been the subject of speculation since ancient times and in the last 100 years has been measured quantitatively by numerous investigators. The purpose of this paper is to survey the present status of knowledge in this field. A short historical sketch is followed by the presentation of quantitative data. Consideration is given to the factors known to affect various measurements and to the probable significance of each. Peripheral visual functions, such as color vision, motion perception, light and dark adaptation and sensory studies, are omitted except when they have definite bearing on acuity problems. The measurements and methods associated with the study of central acuity are used for comparison.
HISTORICAL REVIEW
The superiority of central visual acuity over peripheral acuity led both Euclid (Magnus1) and Galen (Morton2) to compare vision to a cone, the axis of which was the line of central vision. The