Diagnosing Colour Vision Deficiencies Using Eye Movements (Without Dedicated Eye-Tracking Hardware).

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of a novel test for diagnosing colour vision deficiencies using reflexive eye movements measured using an unmodified tablet.

METHODS

This study followed a cross-sectional design, where thirty-three participants aged between 17 and 65 years were recruited. The participant group comprised 23 controls, 8 deuteranopes, and 2 protanopes. An anomaloscope was employed to determine the colour vision status of these participants. The study methodology involved using an Apple iPad Pro's built-in eye-tracking capabilities to record eye movements in response to coloured patterns drifting on the screen. Through an automated analysis of these movements, the researchers estimated individuals' red-green equiluminant point and their equivalent luminance contrast.

RESULTS

Estimates of the red-green equiluminant point and the equivalent luminance contrast were used to classify participants' colour vision status with a sensitivity rate of 90.0% and a specificity rate of 91.30%.

CONCLUSIONS

The novel colour vision test administered using an unmodified tablet was found to be effective in diagnosing colour vision deficiencies and has the potential to be a practical and cost-effective alternative to traditional methods. Translation Relevance: The test's objectivity, its straightforward implementation on a standard tablet, and its minimal requirement for patient cooperation, all contribute to the wider accessibility of colour vision diagnosis. This is particularly advantageous for demographics like children who might be challenging to engage, but for whom early detection is of paramount importance.