VALIDITY OF FAA-APPROVED COLOR VISION TESTS FOR CLASS II AND CLASS III AEROMEDICAL SCREENING

All clinical color vision tests currently used in the medical examination of pilots were studied regarding validity for prediction of performance on practical tests of ability to discriminate the aviation signal colors, red, green, and white given under both day and night conditions. Those same practical tests are given to pilots with color vision deficiency who apply for a waiver of the Class II or Class III color vision standards. Subjects with varying type and degree of color vision deficiency (n=122) and subjects with normal color vision (n=120) were classified with the anomaloscope and given both practical and clinical tests. The clinical color vision tests included the American Optical Company plates (1965 and 1940 Editions), AOCHRR plates (2nd Edition), Ishihara plates (14-, 16-, 24-, and 38-plate tests), Dvorine plates, Richmond plates, Farnsworth Lantern, School of Aviation Medicine Color Threshold Tester, Titmus Tester, Titmus II Tester, OPTEC 2000 Tester, and Keystone Orthoscope/Telebinocular test. The criterion tests required naming the colors of actual signals produced by the Aviation Signal Light, with the same test procedures and viewing distances used in actual practical tests. The Farnsworth Lantern and several plate tests were the best clinical tests for predicting ability to identify the colors of aviation signals. Individuals with color vision deficiency identified signal colors better at night than during the day. Recommendations for improving the disposition criteria of some clinical tests, and for discontinuing several obsolete tests are discussed.

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Features: References; Tables;
  • Pagination: 14 p.

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00935785
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Report/Paper Numbers: DOT/FAA/AM-93/17
  • Files: TRIS, USDOT
  • Created Date: Dec 24 2003 12:00AM