Volume 83, Issue 4 (July 2025)
Tehran Univ Med J 2025, 83(4): 285-295 |
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Shafiei A, Rahmani S, Riazi A, Akbarzadeh Baghan A. Evaluation of the impact of colored filters on visual
quality of visually impaired people. Tehran Univ Med J 2025; 83 (4) :285-295
URL: http://tumj.tums.ac.ir/article-1-13572-en.html
URL: http://tumj.tums.ac.ir/article-1-13572-en.html
1- Department of Optometry, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract: (520 Views)
Background: This study investigates the use of color filters, which represent a scientific and standardized approach to assist individuals with visual impairment. Although there is no fixed protocol for prescribing color filters, these filters, which are often prescribed by ocular care providers in a trial-and-error manner today, help improve visual performance, control glare, and enhance motor skills in affected individuals. Given the absence of formal guidelines and standardized protocols in this area, this study tested common diseases leading to visual impairment against various color filters.
Methods: The study population consisted of patients visiting the Optometry Clinic of Labbafi Nejad Hospital. Participants were voluntarily referred from retinal and corneal departments to this clinic. This quasi-experimental study evaluated acuity at distance and near and contrast sensitivity function with and without color filters, and compared the results. After analysis, filter(s) suitable for each participant were identified and applied clinically, with one-month monitoring and re-evaluation.
Results: A total of 99 participants (54 male, 45 female) with a mean age of 32.19±15.41 years were included. The results showed that after using color filters, distance visual acuity (BCVA) improved significantly in most diseases (P<0.001). However, in albinism and diabetic retinopathy patients, there was no significant improvement in distance vision. At near distance, there was generally a significant improvement in near vision in most diseases after applying the filters (P=0.001). Exceptions included albinism and glaucoma, where no significant difference was observed (P=0.073). For contrast sensitivity (CSF), most patients showed improvement and increased contrast sensitivity (P<0.001), but this increase was not significant in albinism and glaucoma (P=0.483).
Conclusion: The study suggests that the use of certain color filters in visually impaired patients leads to significant improvements in both distance and near acuity and contrast sensitivity function, potentially enhancing quality of life. Based on the quantitative results, selecting the appropriate filter should be disease-specific and done with greater precision. However, the diversity and severity of diseases, the degree of vision loss, and genetic differences among individuals require greater attention to practical experiences and statements from this patient group. Additionally, patients with more than one ocular condition often changed the type and color of the filter.
Methods: The study population consisted of patients visiting the Optometry Clinic of Labbafi Nejad Hospital. Participants were voluntarily referred from retinal and corneal departments to this clinic. This quasi-experimental study evaluated acuity at distance and near and contrast sensitivity function with and without color filters, and compared the results. After analysis, filter(s) suitable for each participant were identified and applied clinically, with one-month monitoring and re-evaluation.
Results: A total of 99 participants (54 male, 45 female) with a mean age of 32.19±15.41 years were included. The results showed that after using color filters, distance visual acuity (BCVA) improved significantly in most diseases (P<0.001). However, in albinism and diabetic retinopathy patients, there was no significant improvement in distance vision. At near distance, there was generally a significant improvement in near vision in most diseases after applying the filters (P=0.001). Exceptions included albinism and glaucoma, where no significant difference was observed (P=0.073). For contrast sensitivity (CSF), most patients showed improvement and increased contrast sensitivity (P<0.001), but this increase was not significant in albinism and glaucoma (P=0.483).
Conclusion: The study suggests that the use of certain color filters in visually impaired patients leads to significant improvements in both distance and near acuity and contrast sensitivity function, potentially enhancing quality of life. Based on the quantitative results, selecting the appropriate filter should be disease-specific and done with greater precision. However, the diversity and severity of diseases, the degree of vision loss, and genetic differences among individuals require greater attention to practical experiences and statements from this patient group. Additionally, patients with more than one ocular condition often changed the type and color of the filter.
Type of Study: Original Article |
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