Colour vision testing as an aid to diagnosis and management of age related maculopathy

To provide a simple test that detects the onset of age related maculopathy (ARM), and can be used to monitor its severity.

Colour contrast sensitivity was measured using computer graphics techniques. Colour thresholds were measured along tritan and protan colour confusion axes in the presence of dynamic luminance noise. Thresholds were determined separately for two sizes of optotypes (6.5 degrees and 1.5 degrees). Natural pupils were used. Normal values for the test have been established.

In all patients with unilateral age related macular degeneration, the smaller optotype was invisible in that eye and in almost all, the larger optotype could not be seen. In the symptomless fellow eyes (with ARM) the larger optotype thresholds were raised. The degree of loss was larger for tritan. For the smaller optotype, protan thresholds were elevated in the majority of patients. Tritan losses were greater and disproportionate to the loss seen with the larger optotype. Every person including those with minimal fundal changes had tritan test results for 1.5 degree optotypes >2 SD above the normal mean. Tritan thresholds varied with the severity of the ARM.

The test is sensitive, simple and quick to administer, and easy for patients. Therefore, it should be useful in detecting and monitoring elderly people with age related changes in their fundi before irreversible loss of vision has occurred.