title: Retinal function in Swedish ophthalmologists using argon lasers as reflected in colour contrast sensitivity. Normal thresholds in the great majority of the cases.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To map the colour contrast sensitivity (CCS) and possible elevations of colour contrast thresholds in Swedish ophthalmologists operating argon lasers.
  
  
  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).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Linköping University, Sweden.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Frennesson
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bergen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003118:Color Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D003117:Color Vision Defects / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D015350:Contrast Sensitivity / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D007834:Lasers / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D009885:Ophthalmology; D011482:Protective Devices; D012160:Retina / Q000502:physiology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013548:Sweden