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Retinal function in Swedish ophthalmologists using argon lasers as reflected in colour contrast sensitivity. Normal
1Department of Ophthalmology, Linköping University, Sweden.
Purpose:
To map the colour contrast sensitivity (CCS) and possible elevations of colour contrast thresholds in Swedish ophthalmologists operating argon lasers.
Material And Methods:
CCS was measured by a computer and colour monitor system developed by Arden and co-workers. CCS of 58 Swedish ophthalmologists, all users of argon laser, was compared to 26 age-matched controls. The ophthalmologists provided information on their professional use of lasers, whether the laser was equipped with a blue-absorbing filter, and the length of time spent in retinal surgery.
Results:
There was no significant difference in colour vision comparing laser-users to controls (p>0.2). However, eight subjects showed elevated tritan thresholds (>1 SD above mean), in three of the cases an elevation >2 SD above mean. All these colleagues had an extensive exposure to blue-green laser and/ or a long time spent operating. Compared to others, they had performed more laser sessions prior to the lasers being equipped with protecting filters (p<0.01).
Conclusion:
Normal thresholds were found in a majority of the cases and no permanent impairment of retinal function was observed among these ophthalmologists. However, the laser-users with the greatest number of sessions seemed to show a certain decrease in retinal function as reflected in tritan thresholds.