Color Vision Deficiency Assistive Devices in the Workplace

Scope

To purpose of this brief is to review the evidence of app-based technologies and other assistive devices for CVD employees performing tasks necessitating color vision discrimination.

Background

For individuals with CVD, there are a multitude of app-based technologies and optical devices that claim to improve color perception and discrimination abilities. These assistive devices could potentially be used as an aid for CVD applicants in performing color sensitive tasks. However, before consideration the evidence of their effectiveness and performance must be evaluated.

Findings

Male et al. in their 2022 systematic review of color vision devices for CVD evaluated commercially available color vision devices in improving color perception.¹ The review concluded that there was insufficient evidence to support claims by color vision device manufacturers that they improve color perception. These findings are supported by previous trials showing no improvement in color vision screening test (Ishihara PIP) and simple tests (color recognition, arrangement, and discrimination) performance with the use of color vision assistive devices.^2,3

A longer term, 1 month, study evaluating the use of X-Chrom lens in CVD individuals reported a degradation in stereopsis and failure to improve color discrimination.⁴ Simulated color vision work tasks with the aid of colored filters showed a decrease in performance among CVD air traffic control workers.⁵ This finding of filter’s (e.g., EnChroma)  failure to improve color perception is further supported by other small trials.^6,7

Recommendations

Despite the claims of improved color perception by color vision device manufacturers, the current literature suggests that they do not increase and may even decrease color perception. Additionally, there is potential for causing poorer depth perception. At this time, the use of color vision assistive devices is not recommended.

References:

1. Male SR, Shamanna BR, Bhardwaj R, Bhagvati C, Theagarayan B. Color vision devices for color vision deficiency patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Health Sci Rep. 2022;5(5):e842. Published 2022 Sep 22. doi:10.1002/hsr2.842
2. Almutairi N, Kundart J, Muthuramalingam N, Hayes J, Citek K. Assessment of EnChroma Filterenchroma Filter for Correcting Color Vision Deficiency. Thesis. Pacific University; 2017.
3. Gómez-Robledo L, Valero EM, Huertas R, Martínez-Domingo MA, Hernández-Andrés J. Do EnChroma glasses improve color vision for colorblind subjects?. Opt Express. 2018;26(22):28693-28703. doi:10.1364/OE.26.028693
4. Matsumoto ER, Johnson CA, Post RB. Effect of X-Chrom lens wear on chromatic discrimination and stereopsis in color-deficient observers. Am J Optom Physiol Opt. 1983;60(4):297-302. doi:10.1097/00006324-198304000-00006
5. Adams AJ, Tague MK. Performance of air traffic control tasks by protanopic color defectives. Am J Optom Physiol Opt. 1985;62(11):744-750. doi:10.1097/00006324-198511000-00004
6. Álvaro L, Linhares JMM, Formankiewicz MA, Waugh SJ. Coloured filters can simulate colour deficiency in normal vision but cannot compensate for congenital colour vision deficiency. Sci Rep. 2022;12(1):11140. Published 2022 Jul 1. doi:10.1038/s41598-022-13877-9
7. Bastien K, Mallet D, Saint-Amour D. Characterizing the Effects of Enchroma Glasses on Color Discrimination. Optom Vis Sci. 2020;97(10):903-910. doi:10.1097/OPX.0000000000001581