Do myopes spend less time outdoors and what do they look at? Three on-going projects involve: 1) wearable light sensors/activity monitors, 2) digitally recording the visual environment, and 3) assessment of near focussing accuracy and eye movements during reading. A fourth project investigates the possible therapeutic benefit of heat masks applied to the closed eyes for slowing myopia progression, in addition to their intended application for treating dry eye symptoms.
Christine Wildsoet, Professor
Optometry
Closed. This professor is continuing with Fall 2025 apprentices on this project; no new apprentices needed for Spring 2026.
There is increasing interest in the role of sunlight and light exposure in the development of myopia. In this project, we are using a wearable light sensor/activity monitor (Actiwatch), for human subjects. The sensor will record the intensity of light subjects are exposed to, and will allow us to determine how much time they spent indoors and outdoors. The activity monitor allows us to determine how much time subjects are engaged in active physical activity. In some studies, including that involving the short term application of dry eye heat masks, advanced high resolution ocular imaging of the back layers of the eye, including retina and choroid, will be undertaken to look for biomarkers of myopia progression and effective interventions.
Another component of this project concerns digital photography of the visual environment. We will have subjects take pictures of their visual environment at designated intervals throughout the day; this will give us an idea of how much time is spent indoors and in near work - reading and computer use versus outdoors.
A third component of this project involves measurement of near focussing behavior during reading.
Role: For the light sensor/activity monitoring component of this project, the student will help with screening subjects, delivering and collecting the Actiwatches and downloading and analyzing collected data.
For the second components of the project, which involves characterizing the visual environment of subjects, the student will be involved in analyzing the digital images and developing and/or testing out scripts.
For other aspects of the project, students will help with data collection and analysis.
Qualifications: Experience with programming and data logging from sensors is a plus. This project is suitable for a sophomore or junior student with a major in EECS or Bioengineering.
For the second and third components of the project, understanding of cameras, optics, Exif data, and natural scene statistics is desirable. An ability to create scripts to extract and analyze data from cameras is a plus. This project is suitable for a sophomore or junior student with a major in EECS, Bioengineering or Physics.
Students with interests in clinical Optometry and Ophthalmology careers and a willingness to learn new skills, will also be considered for the ocular imaging aspects of these projects.
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Elise Harb; Karen Molina, Staff Researcher
Hours: to be negotiated
Related website: http://wildsoetlab.berkeley.edu/
Biological & Health Sciences Engineering, Design & Technologies