Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 21, 2026
08:27
Quantification of Oculomotor Responses and Accommodation Through Instrumentation and Analysis Toolboxes
Published on: March 3, 2023
Chromatic aberration, accommodation, and color preference in asthenopia.
Stefanie A Drew1, Eric Borsting, Lawrence R Stark
1College of Optometry, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California 91766, USA. sdrew@westernu.edu
Summary
Individuals experiencing eyestrain often choose colors that reduce visual demand. This study found that color preferences are linked to the visual system
Area of Science:
- Optometry and Vision Science
- Human Factors and Ergonomics
- Color Science
Background:
- Asthenopia (eyestrain) is prevalent, particularly with near work.
- Colored lenses and overlays are proposed interventions for eyestrain relief.
- The relationship between visual discomfort, color perception, and visual system function requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the connection between eyestrain, color preferences, and the accommodation-vergence system.
- To determine if individuals experiencing eyestrain select colors that mitigate accommodative demand through longitudinal chromatic aberration (LCA).
Main Methods:
- Assessed visual discomfort using the Conlon survey in 47 undergraduate students.
- Determined optimal color preferences using an Intuitive Colorimeter.
- Modeled LCA and evaluated accommodation and vergence function through standard procedures.
Main Results:
- Eyestrain symptoms negatively correlated with CIE v' axis color preferences (r = -0.51) and LCA accommodation (r = -0.31).
- Two-thirds of participants with high discomfort selected colors reducing accommodative demand.
- Accommodative amplitude and vergence facility correlated with LCA, explaining 25% of variance.
Conclusions:
- Color preferences are systematically influenced by the accommodation and vergence systems.
- Increased eyestrain leads to color choices that reduce the accommodative stimulus demand from LCA.
- Findings suggest a potential mechanism for color-based interventions in managing asthenopia.
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