Paraphrasing the meaning of the film Eyes Wide Shut, which speaks of the need to open our eyes to the ambivalence of the reality that surrounds us, an interesting research carried out by Driving Vision Science (DVS) which is dedicated to studying the responses of the visual apparatus of drivers who drive on circuits ride around the world, created by SIFI, a leading pharmaceutical company in the ophthalmic sector, together with the LCR Honda MotoGP team an unusual result.
In fact, a normal person blinks about 8 times per minute to restore the eye’s natural tear film, but MotoGP riders only do this once every three minutes.
This reaction is due to the extreme conditions created by visual stress and physical and mental concentration that riders are exposed to and analyzed by SIFI experts in MotoGP.
This is something unique because it happens, among other things, in a certain microclimate situation that is generated inside the helmet. When you consider that a lap at Mugello in MotoGP takes about 1’50 “which means you can do a lap and a half without batting an eyelid.
Motorcycling at the highest competitive level and with a very high psychophysical and thus also visual stress on the driver under test and racing conditions enables convincing tests.
Thanks to the close collaboration between SIFI and Lucio Cecchinello’s team and with drivers Takaaki Nakagami and Cal Crutchlow, Since 2015, researchers have been able to collect data that enables even more advanced study techniques and new solutions for dry eyes.
The aim of the research is to develop specific behavioral solutions and to be able to test products in the near future that improve the visual performance of all those who are exposed to stress and high eye strain at work or in their leisure time.