Prevalence of refraction errors and color blindness in heavy vehicle drivers

Abstract:

AIM:To investigate the frequency of eye disorders in heavy vehicle drivers. METHODS:A cross-sectional type study was conducted between November 2004 and September 2006 in 200 drivers and 200 non-driver persons. A complete ophthalmologic examination was performed,including visual acuity and dilated examination of the posterior segment. We used the auto refractometer for determining refractive errors. RESULTS:According to eye examination results, the prevalence of the refractive errors was 21. 5% and 31. 3% in study and control groups respectively ( P < 0. 05) . The most common type of refraction errors in the study group was myopic astigmatism ( 8. 3%) while in the control group simple myopia( 12. 8%) . Prevalence of dyschromatopsia in the drivers, control group and total group was 2. 2%,2. 8% and 2. 6% respectively. CONCLUSION:A considerably high number of drivers are in lack of optimal visual acuity. Refraction errors in drivers may impair the traffic security.

Key words:refractive errors;myopia;hypermetropia;color blindness