# Diagnosing Colour Vision Deficiencies Using Eye Movements (Without Dedicated Eye-Tracking Hardware)

## TL;DR

A new test using eye movements on a tablet can diagnose color vision deficiencies without special equipment.

## Contribution

A novel, cost-effective method for diagnosing color vision deficiencies using tablet-based eye movement tracking.

## Key findings

- The test achieved 90.0% sensitivity and 91.30% specificity in classifying color vision status.
- The method estimates red–green equiluminant points and luminance contrast using eye movements.
- The test is practical for children and hard-to-engage populations due to its simplicity and minimal cooperation requirements.

## Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy of a novel test for diagnosing colour vision deficiencies using reflexive eye movements measured using an unmodified tablet. Methods: This study followed a cross-sectional design, where thirty-three participants aged between 17 and 65 years were recruited. The participant group comprised 23 controls, 8 deuteranopes, and 2 protanopes. An anomaloscope was employed to determine the colour vision status of these participants. The study methodology involved using an Apple iPad Pro’s built-in eye-tracking capabilities to record eye movements in response to coloured patterns drifting on the screen. Through an automated analysis of these movements, the researchers estimated individuals’ red–green equiluminant point and their equivalent luminance contrast. Results: Estimates of the red–green equiluminant point and the equivalent luminance contrast were used to classify participants’ colour vision status with a sensitivity rate of 90.0% and a specificity rate of 91.30%. Conclusions: The novel colour vision test administered using an unmodified tablet was found to be effective in diagnosing colour vision deficiencies and has the potential to be a practical and cost-effective alternative to traditional methods. Translation Relevance: The test’s objectivity, its straightforward implementation on a standard tablet, and its minimal requirement for patient cooperation, all contribute to the wider accessibility of colour vision diagnosis. This is particularly advantageous for demographics like children who might be challenging to engage, but for whom early detection is of paramount importance.