Abstract
The present study compared the color discrimination ability of elderly subjects to that of young people. We measured the ability of young people to discriminate colors using a portable device and a 100 hue test and then ascertained age-induced changes in color discrimination ability by comparing the respective abilities of elderly and young people to discriminate colors. The results of the present study showed that, when compared to young people, the total deviation score for the elderly was greater, while the color discrimination ability was inferior. Only in the elderly, did the total deviation score correlate to the chronologic age and visual acuity. The average deviation score for all hues was higher for the elderly. The deviation score for the blue/green (BG) and purple (P) hues was high for the young people, while that for the red/purple (RP) and blue/green (BG) hues was high for the elderly. Analysis of difference of the average deviation score for all hues showed a significant difference in 88 of the 100 hues These findings of this study suggest that some hues are difficult to discriminate regardless of age, while some hues become more difficult to discriminate with age. We believe that age-related reduction in color discrimination ability is affected by factors such as visual acuity, and yellowing of the lens and cataract.
