Research Interests

The Vision Sciences Laboratory studies all aspects of the human visual system. This extends from basic studies of the cornea, lens and retina to applied studies of visual processing within the brain. A primary focus of the laboratory has been the investigation of how lifestyle, primarily dietary, influences both the development of degenerative disease and the normal function of the central nervous system. For example, we use psychophysical methods to measure the concentration of the dietary carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin within the fovea (termed macular pigment or the macula lutea) and have related those pigments to various aspects of retinal and brain function.

The combination of expertise and our interdisciplinary approach has led to insights in a diversity of areas. For example, we have published data relative to the development of age-related eye disease and we are currently studying preventive approaches to dementia (including Alzheimers and Cognitive decline). We are also working on issues in Sports Vision and other aspects of visual performance. Another strong area in our laboratory is the maturation of the infant visual system and brain.

Selected Publications

Hammond, B. R., Buch, J., Hacker, L., Cannon, J., Toubouti, Y., & Renzi-Hammond, L. M. (2020). The effects of light scatter when using a photochromic vs. non-photochromic contact lens. Journal of Optometry. 

Hammond, B. R., & Buch, J. (2020). Individual differences in visual function. Experimental Eye Research, 108186.

Hammond, B. R., Wooten, B. R., Saint, S. E., & Renzi-Hammond, L. (2021). The effects of a blue-light filtering versus clear intraocular implant on color appearance. Translational Vision Science & Technology, 10(12), 25-25.

Hammond, B.R. & Renzi-Hammond, L.  (2022). The influence of the macular carotenoids on women’s eye and brain health. Nutritional Neuroscience, 1-7.

Hammond, B. R., Buch, J., Renzi-Hammond, L. M., Bosten, J. M., & Nankivil, D. (2023). The effect of a short-wave filtering contact lens on color appearance. Journal of Vision, 23(1), 1-13

Hammond, B.R, Gogniat, M., Buch, J., & Miller, L. S. (2023). Strategic filtering of high-energy visible light expands neural correlates of functional vision, particularly in older participants. Heliyon, 9(7).

Hammond, B.R., Gardner, C., Renzi-Hammond, L.M. (2023). The effects of blue-light filtering intraocular implants on glare geometry.  Current Eye Research, 48:7, 639-644.

Hammond, B.R., Leathers, T., Wooten, B.R., and Renzi-Hammond, L.M. (2023) Contrast sensitivity functions measured using simple optics and computer testing. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics. 43:898–904.

Parekh, R., Hammond, B. R., & Chandradhara, D. (2024). Lutein and Zeaxanthin Supplementation Improves Dynamic Visual and Cognitive Performance in Children: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel, Placebo-Controlled Study. Advances in Therapy, 1-16.

Hammond, B.R., Gardner, C.R., Wooten, B.R. and Renzi-Hammond, L.  (2024) Increasing intensity directly increases the perceived warmth of primary colors.  Scientific Reports, 14(1), 26852.

Hammond, B. R., Harth, J. B., & Renzi-Hammond, L. M. (2025). Visual function under bright light conditions tested using a blue-light absorbing or clear lens in pseudophakic patients. Current Eye Research, 725-729.

Hammond, B. R., Buch, J. R., Martin, P., Shamp, W., Harth, J. B., Wysocky, C., & Renzi‐Hammond, L. M. (2025). The effects of a HEV‐filtering contact lens on the brightness of natural images. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics, 45(7), 1801-1810.

Hammond, B.R. and Buch, J.R. (2026).  The evidentiary basis and challenges associated with studying the role of light damage on ocular health.  Journal of Optometry, 19 (3), 100616.