The influence of organic solvent mixtures on visual functional values, especially on chromatic vision

H. Lindner¹, I. Böckelmann², E. A. Pfister², W. Behrens-Baumann¹

Introduction: In a retrospective study we examined whether exposition to organic solvents was associated with a temporary and/or permanent impairment of visual functions in car painters.

Methods: Both eyes were examined, the following parameters were investigated: visual acuity, visual acuity by glare (1 bis 30.000 cd/m²), contrast sensitivity (measured with the VISTECH-Test), colour sense defects (using the Ishihara- and the Velhagen-Panels, the Luneau Blue Colour Test and the Lanthony Desaturated Panel D15 Test). A central campimetry with coloured Haitz-marks was also performed. All clolour sense tests were performed under dayligth lamps (2 x 36 W/ 72 - 965 Biolux), at a colour temperature of 6500 K and a horizontal lighting power of 1100 Lux. 3 groups involving 96 male probands participated in the study (average age 38-47 years); probands currently exposed to organic solvents (n=29), probands formerly exposed to organic solvents (n=20); and a control group (n=37).

Results: Differences between the control group and the group formerly exposed to solvents occured at a contrast sensitivity spatial frequency of 1,5/cycl/degree (p=0,05) and in the Lanthony Desaturated Panel D15 Test (p=0,044), reflecting an acquired blue/yellow vision defect, the colour confusion index (CCI) was used as a control measure.

Differences between these groups also occurred at a contrast sensitivity spatial frequency of 6 cycl/degree (p=0.011) and additionally in the subjective assessment of the Lanthony Desaturated Panel D15 Test (right eye p=0,022; left eye p=0,002) again reflecting an acquired blue/yellow defect.

Discussion: Our study shows that exposition to organic solvent mixtures not only leads to blue/yellow colour sense defects (as already described in recent literature) but can also cause a loss of contrast sensitivity.

1) Magdeburg University 2) Inst. of Occup. Med. Clinic of Ophthalmoloy and Hygiene, Leipziger Str. 44, D 39120 Magdeburg, Germany

Back