Visual imagery without visual perception: lessons from blind subjects

Helder Bértolo

doi:10.1117/12.2066101

22 August 2014 Visual imagery without visual perception: lessons from blind subjects

Helder Bértolo

Proceedings Volume 9286, Second International Conference on Applications of Optics and Photonics; 92862K (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2066101
Event: Second International Conference on Applications of Optics and Photonics, 2014, Aveiro, Portugal

Abstract

The question regarding visual imagery and visual perception remain an open issue. Many studies have tried to understand if the two processes share the same mechanisms or if they are independent, using different neural substrates. Most research has been directed towards the need of activation of primary visual areas during imagery. Here we review some of the works providing evidence for both claims. It seems that studying visual imagery in blind subjects can be used as a way of answering some of those questions, namely if it is possible to have visual imagery without visual perception. We present results from the work of our group using visual activation in dreams and its relation with EEG’s spectral components, showing that congenitally blind have visual contents in their dreams and are able to draw them; furthermore their Visual Activation Index is negatively correlated with EEG alpha power. This study supports the hypothesis that it is possible to have visual imagery without visual experience.

Citation Download Citation

Helder Bértolo "Visual imagery without visual perception: lessons from blind subjects", Proc. SPIE 9286, Second International Conference on Applications of Optics and Photonics, 92862K (22 August 2014); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2066101

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