Heavy and light smokers have slight differences in chromatic discrimination.

Objectives: The effects of smoking on color vision have been scarcely studied. To bridge such gap, this study examined if there were differences in chromatic discrimination between heavy and light smokers. Methods: The psychophysical Trivector test was used to evaluate chromatic discrimination in healthy controls (n = 36), heavy smokers (n = 29), and light smokers (n = 32). The subject's task was to identify the orientation of the Landolt C ring gap - presented and randomized in one of the four positions (e.g., up, down, right, and left). Results: The thresholds for Protan (red), Deutan (green) and Tritan (blue) were higher in heavy smokers compared to nonsmokers but not to light smokers. Conclusions: The results confirm that heavy smoking and chronic exposure to its harmful compounds affect color discrimination when compared to light smoking; and this is more pronounced in heavy smokers than light smokers. This is particularly important to understand the differences among smokers on visual and multisensory processing.

Evaluation of the color vision acuity pattern of undergraduates of health courses in a Brazilian university / Avaliação do padrão de acuidade visual para cores de acadêmicos da área de saúde em Universidade brasileira

ABSTRACT Objective: The goal of the study is to analyze the color vision acuity pattern in undergraduates of health courses and to discuss the impact of these diseases in this population. Color deficiencies interfere significantly in the daily routine of professionals in the health area who need to discern different color hues in several situations of their everyday practice. Methods: Sixty-four volunteers, undergraduates of health courses of the Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL-MG), participated in the study. One man was excluded because he did not fit the inclusion criteria. Two groups were analyzed according to sex with the Farnsworth Munsell 100-Hue test. Results: There were no significant differences between the eyes and between the groups analyzed. The color vision acuity pattern is between 35 and 40, according to the Total Error Score. The gender issue does not influence the general pattern of the color vision acuity of the health courses undergraduates when those with color vision disorders are removed. Conclusion: Screenings and guidance should be given to undergraduates of health courses so that, aware of their condition of presenting some type of color disorder, they shall make the appropriate decision on which career to follow so that such limitation does not interfere with the quality of their daily life.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo do estudo é analisar a acuidade visual média para cores de estudantes da área de saúde e discutir o impacto das doenças que a afetam nessa população. Deficiências cromáticas interferem de forma significativa no dia a dia de profissionais da área da saúde que necessitam de discernir diferentes matizes em diversas situações de sua prática profissional. Métodos: Participaram da pesquisa 64 voluntários, estudantes de cursos da área de saúde da Universidade Federal de Alfenas, sendo que 1 homem foi excluído por não se adequar aos critérios de inclusão. Dois grupos foram analisados, de acordo com o sexo, com o teste de Farnsworth Munsell 100-Hue. Resultados: Não houve diferenças significativas entre os olhos e entre os grupos analisados. O padrão de visão de cores encontra-se entre 35 e 40, de acordo com a Pontuação do Erro Total. A questão de gênero não influencia no padrão geral da qualidade de visão de cores de estudantes da área de saúde, quando retirados aqueles que apresentam distúrbios da visão cromática. Conclusão: Devem ser realizadas triagens e orientação para estudantes de cursos da área de saúde para que, cientes da sua condição de apresentar algum tipo de distúrbio cromático, possam tomar a decisão adequada sobre qual carreira seguir para que tal limitação não interfira na qualidade de sua vida diária.

Psicofísica visual em caso de toxoplasmose ocular congênita / Visual psychophysics of congenital ocular toxoplasmosis case

Resumo A toxoplasmose ocular congênita é uma manifestação da infecção pelo parasita Toxoplasma gondii que ocorrer por meio placentário. Essa doença pode provocar importantes sequelas visuais. Este trabalho descreve um estudo de caso que utilizou avaliação psicofísica visual para descrever alterações funcionais decorrentes da toxoplasmose ocular congênita. A avaliação foi realizada em paciente de 30 anos, sexo masculino, residente em São Luís (MA), hígido com histórico da mãe ter apresentado infecção por toxoplasmose no período gestacional. Somente aos 26 anos foi feita uma avaliação médica detalhada que descreveu lesão na fóvea do olho direito. Na avaliação clínica clássica e na avaliação psicofísica visual, o paciente apresentou visão normal para o olho esquerdo. O olho direito apresentou baixa acuidade visual (valor decimal: 0,028), campo visual com escotomas localizados até 20º de ângulo visual e alteração da visão de cor. O estudo fornece informações médicas seguras e relevantes para o diagnóstico de toxoplasmose ocular congênita utilizando testes eficazes, de baixo custo e boa portabilidade, possibilitando uma alternativa de diagnóstico funcional para ser aplicada em locais de difícil acesso pelo interior do Brasil.

Abstract Congenital ocular toxoplasmosis is a manifestation of infection by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii that occurs through the placenta. This disease can lead to important visual sequelae. This paper describes a case report that uses visual psychophysics for the alterations of congenital ocular toxoplasmosis. The evaluation was performed in a 30-year-old man, a resident of São Luís (MA), with a history of his mother have had toxoplasmosis in the gestational period. Only at 26 years-old he did the detailed medical evaluation that described a lesion the fovea of the right eye. In the classic clinical examination and in visual psychophysical evaluation, the patient presented normal vision for the left eye. The right eye had low visual acuity (decimal value: 0.028), visual field with scotomas up to 20º of visual angle and alteration of color vision. The study offers safe and relevant medical information for the diagnosis of congenital ocular toxoplasmosis using a low-cost evaluation and with good portability, allowing a functional diagnostic alternative to be applied in places difficult to access in the interior of Brazil.

Resposta cardiovascular ao Stroop: comparação entre teste computadorizado e verbal / Cardiovascular response to Stroop test: comparison between the computerized and verbal tests

FUNDAMENTO: O teste de Stroop requer que o indivíduo responda a elementos específicos de um estímulo enquanto inibe processos mais automatizados. OBJETIVO: Comparar a reatividade cardiovascular induzida pela versão computadorizada do teste palavra-cor de Stroop - TESTINPACS® com versão tradicional baseada na leitura de palavras impressas. MÉTODOS: A amostra de conveniência foi constituída por 20 mulheres (22,4 ± 4,1 anos). Análises de variância com medidas repetidas foram utilizadas para comparar efeitos principais entre testes (computadorizado, verbal), assim como entre etapas do teste (linha de base, Stroop 1, Stroop 3) das variáveis fisiológicas (pressão arterial, arritmia sinusal respiratória, frequência cardíaca e frequência respiratória). Testes t para amostras pareadas foram utilizados para comparar as médias pressóricas entre o Stroop 3 e a linha de base. Ademais, a magnitude dos efeitos (d') foi estimada a fim avaliar o impacto das diferenças entre as medidas fisiológicas relativas ao Stroop 3 e a linha de base. RESULTADOS: As duas versões do instrumento produziram elevação significativa em frequência cardíaca (p<0,01) e pressão arterial sistólica (p<0,05) quando medidas resultantes do Stroop 3 foram comparadas às de base. Não se verificaram, contudo, diferenças significativas produzidas pelas diferentes versões do teste sobre as demais variáveis investigadas. Estatísticas d' confirmaram a grande magnitude dos efeitos (-1,04 a +1,49) entre as medidas do Stroop 3 e da linha de base. CONCLUSÃO: Conclui-se que a presente versão computadorizada TESTINPACS® do teste de Stroop constitui instrumento útil para induzir reatividade cardiovascular em mulheres.

BACKGROUND: The Stroop test requires the individual to respond to specific elements of a stimulus, whereas inhibiting more automated processes. OBJECTIVE: To compare the cardiovascular reactivity induced by the computerized version of the Stroop word-color test TESTINPACS® with the traditional version based on the reading of printed words. METHODS: The sample of convenience consisted of 20 women (22.4 ± 4.1 years). Analyses of variance with repeated measures were used to compare the main effects between the tests (computerized vs verbal), as well as between phases of the test (baseline, Stroop 1, Stroop 3) on the physiological variables (arterial pressure, respiratory sinus arrhythmia, heart failure and respiratory rate). The t tests for paired samples were used to compare the pressure means between Stroop 3 and baseline. Additionally, the magnitude of the effects (d') was estimated in order to assess the impact of the changes in the physiological measurements between Stroop 3 and the baseline. RESULTS: The two versions of the assessment tool caused significant increase in heart rate (p<0.01) and systolic arterial pressure (p<0.05) when the measurements obtained at the Stroop 3 were compared to that of baseline. However, no significant differences were observed regarding the different versions of the test on the other investigated variables. The d' statistics confirmed the high magnitude of the effects (-1.04 to +1.49) between the measurements from the Stroop 3 and the baseline ones. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the current computerized version (TESTINPACS TM) of the Stroop test constitutes a useful instrument to induce cardiovascular reactivity in women.

[Cardiovascular response to Stroop test: comparison between the computerized and verbal tests]. / Resposta cardiovascular ao Stroop: comparação entre teste computadorizado e verbal.

BACKGROUND: The Stroop test requires the individual to respond to specific elements of a stimulus, whereas inhibiting more automated processes. OBJECTIVE: To compare the cardiovascular reactivity induced by the computerized version of the Stroop word-color test TESTINPACS with the traditional version based on the reading of printed words. METHODS: The sample of convenience consisted of 20 women (22.4 +/- 4.1 years). Analyses of variance with repeated measures were used to compare the main effects between the tests (computerized vs verbal), as well as between phases of the test (baseline, Stroop 1, Stroop 3) on the physiological variables (arterial pressure, respiratory sinus arrhythmia, heart failure and respiratory rate). The t tests for paired samples were used to compare the pressure means between Stroop 3 and baseline. Additionally, the magnitude of the effects (d') was estimated in order to assess the impact of the changes in the physiological measurements between Stroop 3 and the baseline. RESULTS: The two versions of the assessment tool caused significant increase in heart rate (p<0.01) and systolic arterial pressure (p<0.05) when the measurements obtained at the Stroop 3 were compared to that of baseline. However, no significant differences were observed regarding the different versions of the test on the other investigated variables. The d' statistics confirmed the high magnitude of the effects (-1.04 to +1.49) between the measurements from the Stroop 3 and the baseline ones. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the current computerized version (TESTINPACS) of the Stroop test constitutes a useful instrument to induce cardiovascular reactivity in women.

Concepts of color, shape, size and position in ten children with Rett syndrome.

Individuals with Rett syndrome (RS) present severe motor, language and cognitive deficits, as well as spontaneous hand movement loss. On the other hand, there are strong evidence that these individuals use the eyes with intentional purpose. Ten girls aged 4y8m to 12y10m with RS were assessed with a computer system for visual tracking regarding their ability of indicating with eyes the recognition of concepts of color (red, yellow and blue), shape (circle, square and triangle), size (big and small) and spatial position (over and under) to which they were first exposed to. Results from comparing the time of eyes fixation on required and not required concepts did not differ significantly. Children did not show with eyes the recognition of the required concepts when assessed with eye tracking system.

Concepts of color, shape, size and position in ten children with Rett syndrome / Conceitos de cor, forma, tamanho e posição em dez crianças com síndrome de Rett

Individuals with Rett syndrome (RS) present severe motor, language and cognitive deficits, as well as spontaneous hand movement loss. On the other hand, there are strong evidence that these individuals use the eyes with intentional purpose. Ten girls aged 4y8m to 12y10m with RS were assessed with a computer system for visual tracking regarding their ability of indicating with eyes the recognition of concepts of color (red, yellow and blue), shape (circle, square and triangle), size (big and small) and spatial position (over and under) to which they were first exposed to. Results from comparing the time of eyes fixation on required and not required concepts did not differ significantly. Children did not show with eyes the recognition of the required concepts when assessed with eye tracking system.

Pessoas com síndrome de Rett (SR) apresentam severos prejuízos psicomotores, verbais, cognitivos e perda das habilidades manuais proposicionais que impedem o conhecimento de suas reais aquisições intelectuais. Entretanto, estudos relatam que essas pessoas utilizam o olhar com finalidade intencional. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar se crianças com SR, após terem sido expostas aos conceitos de cor (vermelho, amarelo e azul), forma (círculo, quadrado e triângulo), tamanho (grande e pequeno) e posição espacial (em cima e em baixo), manifestam o reconhecimento desses conceitos com o olhar, avaliado com equipamento computadorizado de rastreamento ocular. Foram avaliadas dez crianças com diagnóstico de SR, com idades entre 4 anos e 8 meses e 12 anos e 10 meses. Os resultados não indicaram diferenças significativas no tempo de fixação do olhar das crianças quando comparados os conceitos solicitados e os não solicitados. Concluiu-se que, com o método utilizado, as crianças não reconheceram os conceitos avaliados.

[Efficiency of color vision tests in hereditary dyschromatopsia: case report]. / Eficiência dos testes cromáticos de comparação na discromatopsia hereditária: relato de casos.

The authors describe two cases of hereditary dyschromatopsia and discuss the efficiency of the color vision tests. The patients were disapproved in different federal public examinations because Ishihara's test diagnosed hereditary dyschromatopsia. Ophthalmological evaluation was normal. No symptoms related to dyschromatopsia were presented. Panels D15 and Roth D 28 were normal. Desaturated D 15 showed deuteranomaly in case one. In the second case the comparative color vision tests showed nonspecific disorder. The diagnosis of dyschromatopsia is complex. The authors recommend comparative color vision tests to complement the Ishihara test for a better understanding of the color deficiency.

Eficiência dos testes cromáticos de comparação na discromatopsia hereditária: relato de casos / Efficiency of color vision tests in hereditary dyschromatopsia: case report

As autoras relatam dois casos de discromatopsia hereditária e discutem a eficiência dos testes cromáticos no diagnóstico de uma discromatopsia. Os pacientes foram reprovados em diferentes concursos públicos federais por apresentarem diagnóstico de discromatopsia hereditária pelo teste de Ishihara. Submeteram-se a exame oftalmológico, com resultados dentro da normalidade. Procuraram novo parecer para melhor caracterização da sua discromatopsia. Não havia sintomas relacionados à deficiência. Os testes Panel D15 simples, D28 de Roth mostraram-se normais e o D15 dessaturado confirmou deutanomalia no caso 1. No segundo caso os testes de comparação mostraram alterações sem significado cromático. O diagnóstico de uma discromatopsia é muito complexo. As autoras destacam a importância de realização de testes de visão cromática complementares ao teste de Ishihara para diagnóstico de uma discromatopsia.

The authors describe two cases of hereditary dyschromatopsia and discuss the efficiency of the color vision tests. The patients were disapproved in different federal public examinations because Ishihara's test diagnosed hereditary dyschromatopsia. Ophthalmological evaluation was normal. No symptoms related to dyschromatopsia were presented. Panels D15 and Roth D 28 were normal. Desaturated D 15 showed deuteranomaly in case one. In the second case the comparative color vision tests showed nonspecific disorder. The diagnosis of dyschromatopsia is complex. The authors recommend comparative color vision tests to complement the Ishihara test for a better understanding of the color deficiency.

A computer-controlled color vision test for children based on the Cambridge Colour Test.

The present study aimed at providing conditions for the assessment of color discrimination in children using a modified version of the Cambridge Colour Test (CCT, Cambridge Research Systems Ltd., Rochester, UK). Since the task of indicating the gap of the Landolt C used in that test proved counterintuitive and/or difficult for young children to understand, we changed the target stimulus to a patch of color approximately the size of the Landolt C gap (about 7 degrees of visual angle at 50 cm from the monitor). The modifications were performed for the CCT Trivector test which measures color discrimination for the protan, deutan and tritan confusion lines. Experiment 1 sought to evaluate the correspondence between the CCT and the child-friendly adaptation with adult subjects (n = 29) with normal color vision. Results showed good agreement between the two test versions. Experiment 2 tested the child-friendly software with children 2 to 7 years old (n = 25) using operant training techniques for establishing and maintaining the subjects' performance. Color discrimination thresholds were progressively lower as age increased within the age range tested (2 to 30 years old), and the data--including those obtained for children--fell within the range of thresholds previously obtained for adults with the CCT. The protan and deutan thresholds were consistently lower than tritan thresholds, a pattern repeatedly observed in adults tested with the CCT. The results demonstrate that the test is fit for assessment of color discrimination in young children and may be a useful tool for the establishment of color vision thresholds during development.

Discriminação de cores em profissionais da área técnica de empresa de material fotográfico / Color vision discrimination in employees of a photographic laboratory

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a discriminação de cores em profissionais da área técnica de empresa de material fotográfico. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos 47 profissionais (37 homens) com idades variando de 18 a 41 anos (média 27,2 ± 5,6 anos), alocados em área técnica especializada em calibração e assistência de máquinas de revelação de fotos em 1 hora. O tempo de trabalho nesta atividade variou de 1 mês a 18 anos. O grupo controle constituiu de 22 voluntários (5 homens) com idades variando de 18 a 55 anos (Média 25,0 ± 10,6 anos). A discriminação de cores foi avaliada com o teste Farnsworth-Munsell 100-Hue. Os critérios de inclusão para os dois grupos foram: acuidade visual com a melhor correção óptica e > 0,1 logMAR, fundo de olho normal, ausência de doenças hereditárias, sintomas visuais ou cirurgia ocular prévia. RESULTADOS: Vinte e quatro (51 por cento) profissionais do laboratório fotográfico apresentaram discriminação superior, comparados a 18 por cento dos voluntários. Vinte (42 por cento) apresentaram discriminação de cores dentro da média e 3 (7 por cento) apresentaram discriminação inferior. O índice de erros foi estatisticamente menor no grupo de profissionais quando comparado ao grupo controle (T=968.000, P=0,011). Não houve correlação entre o tempo de atividade na profissão e os resultados da discriminação de cores. CONCLUSÕES: Os profissionais da área técnica da empresa fotográfica mostraram discriminação de cores superior à do grupo controle.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate chromatic discrimination in employees of a photographic laboratory. METHODS: A total of 47 professional employees of the technical area devoted to calibration and technical assistance for one-hour photo machines (37 men), aged 18 to 41 years (mean of 27.2 ± 5.6 years). The period working in this function ranged from one month to 18 years. Twenty-two normal volunteers (5 men) aged 18-55 years (mean of 25.0 ± 10.6 years) were tested as a control group. Color discrimination was evaluated by the Farnsworth-Munsell 100-Hue test. The inclusion criteria were visual acuity > 0.1 logMAR, normal fundus, absence of hereditary eye disease, absence of visual symptoms or ocular surgery. RESULTS: Twenty-four people (51 percent) of the professional group presented superior color discrimination when compared to 18 percent of the control group. Twenty people (42 percent) presented average discrimination and 3 (7 percent) presented inferior discrimination. Color vision discrimination was statistically better in professionals when compared to controls (T=968.000, P=0.011). There was no correlation between the period working in the function and color discrimination. CONCLUSIONS: Technical professionals working in a photographic laboratory showed better color discrimination than controls.

[Low prevalence of dyschromatopsia using the fourth edition of HRR (Hardy, Rand and Rittler) pseudoisochromatic plate test among the Indian population of Lalima village, Terena]. / Baixa prevalência de discromatopsia, pela 4a edição do teste pseudoisocromático HRR (Hardy, Rand e Rittler), da população indígena de etnia terena da aldeia lalima na região de Miranda: Mato Grosso do Sul.

PURPOSE: to evaluate the frequency of dyschromatopsias among the 10 to 45-year-old male Indian population of Lalima village, Terena ethnicity, in Miranda-MS, using the fourth edition of the pseudoisochromatic HRR test (Hardy, Rand and Rittler). METHODS: Lalima village in Miranda-MS was visited in January and February 2005. The visits only occurred after the approval of the project by the Committee of Ethics and Research of UFMS, by the National Committee of Ethics and Research, by the Indian National Foundation, and by the chief of Lalima village. The test was applied in 226 Indians who had been previously submitted to ophthalmologic examination for the detection of abnormalities that could doubt the applicability of the test. The test was performed under natural illumination, in sunny days, however with no direct sunlight. The test was applied and analyzed by the same experimenter in all the Indians. RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty-six men were examined (60.1%) of the total male population of 376 individuals between 10 and 45 years old who live in Lalima village. No cases of dyschromatopsia were found in this population examined with the HRR test. CONCLUSIONS: Once it is known that incidence of dyschromatopsias among the white male Caucasian population is about 6-8%, the results of the present study indicate a low prevalence of dyschromatopsias in this Indian population of Terena ethnicity, since no cases were detected in the examined sample. Other studies using different methods must be made to reinforce the present results. It would also be interesting to genetically examine this population and verify the genes that code for photopigments.

Red-green color vision impairment in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

The present study evaluated the color vision of 44 patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) (mean age 14.8 years; SD 4.9) who were submitted to a battery of four different color tests: Cambridge Colour Test (CCT), Neitz Anomaloscope, Ishihara, and American Optical Hardy-Rand-Rittler (AO H-R-R). Patients were divided into two groups according to the region of deletion in the dystrophin gene: upstream of exon 30 (n=12) and downstream of exon 30 (n=32). The control group was composed of 70 age-matched healthy male subjects with no ophthalmological complaints. Of the patients with DMD, 47% (21/44) had a red-green color vision defect in the CCT, confirmed by the Neitz Anomaloscope with statistical agreement (P<.001). The Ishihara and the AO H-R-R had a lower capacity to detect color defects--5% and 7%, respectively, with no statistical similarity between the results of these two tests nor between CCT and Anomaloscope results (P>.05). Of the patients with deletion downstream of exon 30, 66% had a red-green color defect. No color defect was found in the patients with deletion upstream of exon 30. A negative correlation between the color thresholds and age was found for the controls and patients with DMD, suggesting a nonprogressive color defect. The percentage (66%) of patients with a red-green defect was significantly higher than the expected <10% for the normal male population (P<.001). In contrast, patients with DMD with deletion upstream of exon 30 had normal color vision. This color defect might be partially explained by a retina impairment related to dystrophin isoform Dp260.

Baixa prevalência de discromatopsia, pela 4ª edição do teste pseudoisocromático HRR (Hardy, Rand e Rittler), da população indígena de etnia terena da aldeia lalima na região de Miranda: Mato Grosso do Sul / Low prevalence of dyschromatopsia using the fourth edition of HRR (Hardy, Rand and Rittler) pseudoisochromatic plate test among the Indian population of Lalima village, Terena

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a freqüência de discromatopsias através da 4ª edição do teste pseudoisocromático HRR (Hardy, Rand and Rittler) entre a população indígena masculina da aldeia Lalima, etnia Terena, na região de Miranda-MS. MÉTODOS: Foram realizadas viagens à aldeia Lalima em Miranda-MS, nos meses de janeiro e fevereiro de 2005. As viagens para realizar os exames só foram iniciadas após o projeto ter sido avaliado e aprovado pelos Comitê de Ética e Pesquisa da UFMS, Comitê Nacional de Ética e Pesquisa, Fundação Nacional do índio e do cacique da aldeia Lalima. O teste HRR foi aplicado em 226 índios após terem sido submetidos a exame oftalmológico para detecção de anormalidades que pudessem comprometer a aplicabilidade do teste. O teste foi realizado sob luz natural, em dias ensolarados, sem incidência direta de sol. O teste foi aplicado e interpretado pelo mesmo examinador em todos os índios. RESULTADOS: Realizaram-se 226 exames (60,1 por cento) de uma população de 376 homens entre 10 e 45 anos de idade, que vivem na Aldeia Lalima. Não foi encontrado nenhum caso de discromatopsia na população examinada com o teste HRR. CONCLUSÃO: O resultado do presente estudo mostra a baixa prevalência de discromatopsia nesta população indígena de etnia Terena, uma vez que não se detectou nenhum caso de discromatopsia na população estudada, sendo a prevalência de discromatopsia entre homens caucasianos de 6 a 8 por cento. A ausência de discromatopsia na população estudada, no entanto, deve ser mais bem avaliada tentando aumentar o tamanho da amostra, utilização de outros testes e, principalmente, por estudos genéticos para verificar os genes codificadores dos fotopigmentos para melhor compreensão das condições relacionadas à visão de cores dessa comunidade indígena.

PURPOSE: to evaluate the frequency of dyschromatopsias among the 10 to 45-year-old male Indian population of Lalima village, Terena ethnicity, in Miranda-MS, using the fourth edition of the pseudoisochromatic HRR test (Hardy, Rand and Rittler). METHODS: Lalima village in Miranda-MS was visited in January and February 2005. The visits only occurred after the approval of the project by the Committee of Ethics and Research of UFMS, by the National Committee of Ethics and Research, by the Indian National Foundation, and by the chief of Lalima village. The test was applied in 226 Indians who had been previously submitted to ophthalmologic examination for the detection of abnormalities that could doubt the applicability of the test. The test was performed under natural illumination, in sunny days, however with no direct sunlight. The test was applied and analyzed by the same experimenter in all the Indians. RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty-six men were examined (60.1 percent) of the total male population of 376 individuals between 10 and 45 years old who live in Lalima village. No cases of dyschromatopsia were found in this population examined with the HRR test. CONCLUSIONS: Once it is known that incidence of dyschromatopsias among the white male Caucasian population is about 6-8 percent, the results of the present study indicate a low prevalence of dyschromatopsias in this Indian population of Terena ethnicity, since no cases were detected in the examined sample. Other studies using different methods must be made to reinforce the present results. It would also be interesting to genetically examine this population and verify the genes that code for photopigments.

[Color vision discrimination in employees of a photographic laboratory]. / Discriminação de cores em profissionais da área técnica de empresa de material fotográfico.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate chromatic discrimination in employees of a photographic laboratory. METHODS: A total of 47 professional employees of the technical area devoted to calibration and technical assistance for one-hour photo machines (37 men), aged 18 to 41 years (mean of 27.2 +/- 5.6 years). The period working in this function ranged from one month to 18 years. Twenty-two normal volunteers (5 men) aged 18-55 years (mean of 25.0 +/- 10.6 years) were tested as a control group. Color discrimination was evaluated by the Farnsworth-Munsell 100-Hue test. The inclusion criteria were visual acuity >or= 0.1 logMAR, normal fundus, absence of hereditary eye disease, absence of visual symptoms or ocular surgery. RESULTS: Twenty-four people (51%) of the professional group presented superior color discrimination when compared to 18% of the control group. Twenty people (42%) presented average discrimination and 3 (7%) presented inferior discrimination. Color vision discrimination was statistically better in professionals when compared to controls (T=968.000, P=0.011). There was no correlation between the period working in the function and color discrimination. CONCLUSIONS: Technical professionals working in a photographic laboratory showed better color discrimination than controls.

[Chromatic sense: types of defects and clinical evaluation tests]. / Sentido cromático: tipos de defeitos e testes de avaliação clínica.

Evaluation of the chromatic sense has a great value in ophthalmic practice, both for diagnosis of the congenital defects (daltonism), as well as for diagnosis and follow-up of acquired defects. Many clinical tests are available to be used for this purpose. However it is necessary to know the details and sensitivity of each test, since there are many variations in the results, depending on the searched condition, if congenital or acquired pathologies. Our goal is to review the types of defects of the chromatic sense and provide information about the main current available tests and their best purpose. We further emphasize the importance of standard illumination procedure in the application of the tests.

Sentido cromático: tipos de defeitos e testes de avaliação clínica / Chromatic sense: types of defects and clinical evaluation tests

A avaliação do senso cromático tem grande valor na clínica oftalmológica, tanto para diagnóstico dos defeitos congênitos (daltonismo), como para diagnóstico e acompanhamento dos defeitos adquiridos. Diversos testes clínicos podem ser aplicados para esse fim. Porém, é necessário conhecermos a proposta e a sensibilidade de cada um deles, pois existem grandes variações de resultados, dependendo da doença que se procura diagnosticar, se congênita ou adquirida. Buscamos com este trabalho revisar os tipos de defeitos da sensibilidade cromática e fornecer informações sobre os principais testes utilizados, bem como sua melhor aplicação. Enfatizamos, ainda, a importância da padronização da iluminação do ambiente onde são aplicados esses testes.

Evaluation of the chromatic sense has a great value in ophthalmic practice, both for diagnosis of the congenital defects (daltonism), as well as for diagnosis and follow-up of acquired defects. Many clinical tests are available to be used for this purpose. However it is necessary to know the details and sensitivity of each test, since there are many variations in the results, depending on the searched condition, if congenital or acquired pathologies. Our goal is to review the types of defects of the chromatic sense and provide information about the main current available tests and their best purpose. We further emphasize the importance of standard illumination procedure in the application of the tests.

Absence of binocular summation, eye dominance, and learning effects in color discrimination.

We evaluated binocular summation, eye dominance, and learning in the Trivector and Ellipses procedures of the Cambridge Colour Test (CCT). Subjects (n = 36, 18-30 years old) were recruited among students and staff from the University of São Paulo. Inclusion criteria were absence of ophthalmological complaints and best-corrected Snellen VA 20/20 or better. The subjects were tested in three randomly selected eye conditions: binocular, monocular dominant eye, and nondominant eye. Results obtained in the binocular and monocular conditions did not differ statistically for thresholds measured along the protan, deutan, and tritan confusion axes (ANOVA, P > 0.05). No statistical difference was detected among discrimination ellipses obtained in binocular or monocular conditions (ANOVA, P > 0.05), suggesting absence of binocular summation or of an effect of eye dominance. Possible effects of learning were examined by comparing successive thresholds obtained in the three testing conditions. There was no evidence of improvement as a function of testing order (ANCOVA, P > 0.05). We conclude that CCT thresholds are not affected by binocularity, eye dominance, or learning. Our results differ from those found by Verriest et al. (1982) using the Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue test and Hovis et al. (2004) using the Farnsworth-Munsell panel D-15 test.