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

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Vision Science
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Colour vision deficiency (CVD) diagnosis traditionally relies on subjective tests.
• Existing methods can be time-consuming and require specialized equipment.
• There is a need for accessible and objective diagnostic tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a novel diagnostic test for colour vision deficiencies.
• The test utilizes reflexive eye movements captured by an unmodified tablet.
• To assess the efficacy of tablet-based eye-tracking for CVD diagnosis.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involved 33 participants (23 controls, 8 deuteranopes, 2 protanopes).
• Eye movements were recorded using an Apple iPad Pro's eye-tracking feature in response to visual stimuli.
• Automated analysis estimated the red-green equiluminant point and equivalent luminance contrast.

Main Results:

• The novel test achieved a sensitivity of 90.0% and a specificity of 91.30% in classifying colour vision status.
• Estimates of the red-green equiluminant point and equivalent luminance contrast correlated with CVD diagnosis.
• The method demonstrated high accuracy in differentiating between normal and deficient colour vision.

Conclusions:

• The tablet-based eye movement test is effective for diagnosing colour vision deficiencies.
• This novel approach presents a practical and cost-effective alternative to conventional diagnostic methods.
• The test's objectivity and ease of use enhance accessibility, particularly for pediatric populations.