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Color Vision Testing, Standards, and Visual Performance of the U.S. Military
Hong Gao1, Cristina D Kirkendall2, Micah J Kinney3
1Naval Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory, Naval Medical Research Unit Dayton, Wright Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7955, USA.
Military Medicine
|March 30, 2022
Summary
Computer-based color vision tests (CVTs) are more accurate than older methods for screening military personnel with color vision deficiency (CVD). While CVTs offer comparable passing rates, they better identify individuals with mild CVD, though performance impacts should be considered.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology and Military Medicine
- Visual Science and Occupational Health
Background:
- Color vision deficiency (CVD) disqualifies individuals from military special duty occupations.
- Existing color vision testing and standards vary across U.S. military branches.
- Computer-based color vision tests (CVTs) are increasingly replacing older methods like the Farnsworth Lantern Test (FALANT).
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine military color vision testing protocols and passing criteria.
- To assess color discrimination performance across different color vision tests.
- To ensure consistency in recruitment, performance, and safety within the U.S. Armed Forces.
Main Methods:
- 191 participants (students, faculty, staff) from U.S. Air Force Academy and Naval Aerospace Medical Institute were tested.
- Subjects underwent six computer-based color vision tests (CVTs) and two military-relevant color discrimination tasks.
- Statistical analyses included Friedman non-parametric tests and ANOVA with Bonferroni adjustments for comparisons.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were found in identifying red-green CVD or classifying deutan/protan vision among most tests.
- Tritan CVD classification varied significantly based on the CVT used (P < .001).
- Computer-based color vision tests (CVTs) and the PIP/FALANT standard showed comparable personnel selection rates, but CVTs were more accurate in identifying mild CVD. Moderate/severe CVD performed significantly slower and less accurately on color discrimination tasks.
Conclusions:
- Computer-based color vision tests (CVTs) demonstrate superiority over paper-based tests (PIPs) in diagnosing, classifying, and grading CVD.
- Current U.S. military CVT passing criteria provide comparable passing rates to older standards but enhance the selection accuracy of mild CVD.
- Military commanders must weigh operational requirements against potential job performance reductions in complex color-critical environments when selecting mild CVD individuals.
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