Prevalente of color vision anomalies among Brazilian industrial workers and the telemedicine role

Abstract

Aims/Purpose: To evaluate the use of a color blindness test (Eyecare Color Vision Test®) applied through of telemedicine to assess the prevalence of color blindness, its subtypes and intensity of presentation in Brazilian industrial workers.

Methods: An observational, cross-sectional, and retrospective study was carried out. The study sample was a convenience sample, which included all patients from a company with headquarters in all Brazilian regions who underwent consultations for occupational purposes via telemedicine through Eyecare clinic between the months of October 2023 and January 2024. All patients underwent Eyecare Color Vision Test®, a validated virtual test based on the Ishihara Test that consists of 14 images with symbols and numbers. A score above 7 was considered normal for color vision defect.

Results: 2197 workers from 5 regions of Brazil were evaluated through telemedicine. 91.81% were male, the mean age was 37 years, mean visual acuity for right eye was 0.24 (± 0.18) and for left eye was 0.19 (± 0.16). 50 patients, all male, showed changes in the Eyecare Color Vision Test® which resulted in a prevalence of color blindness of 2.28%. From patients with color blindness, 44% had protanomaly or deuteranomaly, 26% had deuteranopia, 18% had protanopia and 12% had an undiagnostic subtype.

Conclusions: Our study was in line with international literature since we found a 2.28% prevalence of CVD in Brazilian industrial workers. Furthermore, we were able to demonstrate that telemedicine can be an important tool for democratizing access to eye health.

References

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