[Color vision disturbance in laser operators and patients: comparison of argon and dye lasers]

Color contrast sensitivity was measured in laser operators before and after laser sessions. The tritan threshold was elevated after the sessions in all laser operators who had used argon (blue-green) lasers. No change was observed when lasers with longer wave-lengths were used. Elevation of the tritan threshold to above-normal levels was observed even before laser sessions. The thresholds remained increased even when the laser operator did not use a laser for 3 weeks. Thus, it appears that the damage caused by the argon blue-green laser is cumulative. Elevated tritan thresholds were also observed in patients with peripheral retinal breaks who were treated with an argon (blue-green) laser.