Three different levels of light the eyes have to work in.
Directed Vision
The eyes provide us with information, screening out what’s non-essential and processing information our minds think is essential at the moment. Very little of the eye is the high-resolution fovea, central eye, responsible for directed vision and identification of details and things like faces. The fovea is for a high-resolution focus on what’s important to us. Each of the cells in the fovea requires thousands of support cells in the visual cortex to manage the beginning stages of seeing something. Most of our vision is low resolution and peripheral, giving us a generalized view of an area and picking up movement. We filter what peripheral vision picks up and then point the fovea at what we think is essential and requires direct focus and attention. So, what is essential in a low-light defensive situation?Visual Tasking Priorities
We need to prioritize what we direct that high-resolution vision at for self-defense. I recommend first and foremost the hands and waist of a potential unknown subject or unknown contact. The hands hold and operate weapons that can kill us or someone else. Those who mean us harm carry guns and knives on the waist-line just like good guys do, and law enforcement often wears badges on the waist-line. Does what the unknown is wearing matter, like a ski mask? Sure, it might provide information pertinent to the situation, but it’s not the priority that requires directed vision at first contact.
Two different targets, two different use of force decisions. Direct vision and light at what matters to make a good use of force decision.
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