POOR LIGHTING IN MOVIE THEATRES CAUSES BLINDNESS, AUTHORITY SAYS

"Motion picture theatres are too dark," declared Guy A. Henry, General-Director of the Eye Sight Conservation Council of America, in an article to the Crimson. "People are unnecessarily subjected to eye strain," he asserted, "in poorly lighted auditoriums."

Investigations reveal that managers of motion picture theatres have no method of determining the effectiveness of the lighting, said Mr. Henry, who urged the framing of a special code of illumination for motion picture auditoriums, following a scientific study of the problem.

"The human eye does not function to its best advantage in the dark or in looking at a fairly well illuminated object when the eye itself is surrounded by darkness," according to Mr. Henry. "There should prevail as high a degree of general illumination as may be consistent with securing clear and easy vision of the picture.

"Too low illumination causes dilation of the pupil to an abnormal degree and provides a coreal area which does not permit of focal accuracy and which tends to distortion of outline. To partially overcome this, segmental action of the ciliary muscle governing the focusing of the eye is induced. Such muscular action can only be attained by great effort.

"There is also strain of the iris muscles resulting from the prolonged dilation of the pupil and another objection is that the varying intensity of the light reflected from the screen requires constant iris action more difficult of accomplishment than under normal dilation.

Conflict of Darkness and Light

"There is constant conflict between the extreme darkness surrounding the eye and the light reflected from the screen. Under such a condition the eye is not only more susceptible to the natural varying intensity of the light from the screen, but the adaptability of the eye is lowered and the slightest flicker or movement is more noticeable and detrimental.

"The illumination of the auditorium should be gradually reduced from the rear to the front and all light sources so modified as to prevent glare, especially those which may fall within the spectator's range of vision. A faulty shade leaking a little light in the orchestra or over the organ will be a source of annoying glare for even though the intensity of the reflected light from the screen may be much greater, the direct light by reason of the dark background will by contrast be blinding in effect and harmful to the eye.

"The decorative scheme of the auditorium naturally affects the general illumination. Gilt and silver even in subdued light may produce annoying reflections and, in some instances, these are responsible for an unfortunately low degree of lighting.

Valuable Studies Made

"Investigations reveal that managers of motion pictures have no scientific way of determining whether or not the general illumination of the auditorium is what it should be and, in fact, this is governed by the judgment of the management which may take into consideration certain factors and entirely disregard others of equal or greater importance.

"Practical tests and measurements are reported which demonstrate the feasibility of sufficient general illumination of the auditorium during the showing of the film to permit reading of program and this without detracting from definition or causing loss of quality in the picture showing on the screen.

"Valuable studies have been made but, unfortunately, are not followed or, in general, practiced in motion picture theatres. One such report states: "By proper distribution of the light, the general illumination of the interior of a motion picture theatre may be raised to a considerable extent above the values in common use without causing any appreciable loss of quality in the projected picture."

"A scientific study should be made of this problem and standards of illumination established for the guidance of the managers so that they may be sure that a matter so important as the general illumination of the theatre during the showing of the picture is scientifically correct and that the eyes of their patrons are not subjected to strain.

"In fact there should be developed a special code of illumination for motion picture auditoriums which will cover a field, which is too important to be left to the judgment of individuals."