Colour Vision Deficiencies in Hypoxic Environments
Thu, Oct 24
|Virtual Event
Colour perception is affected in low-oxygen (hypoxic) environments, like at high altitudes. This presentation looks at how these environments affect colour perception in those with and without colour vision deficiencies.
Time & Location
Oct 24, 2024, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. EDT
Virtual Event
About the event
Abstract
Aircraft pilots in the United States are allowed to fly at altitudes up to 12,500 ft (3800 m) without supplemental oxygen. Previous research has shown that the colour vision of individuals with  normal colour vision can be mildly affected near this altitude.  Individuals with colour vision deficiencies are also allowed to hold a  pilot’s license, but there is little information available related to  how their colour discrimination changes in this environment.
This presentation will summarize the general characteristics of  individuals with congenital colour vision deficiencies, how this mild  hypoxic (or low oxygen) environment can affect basic colour vision discrimination,  response times to coloured stimuli and the Stroop effect  using coloured stimuli of individuals with normal colour vision and  congenital colour vision defects. The presentation will also discuss a colour-related incident in a more extreme hypoxic environment.
Speaker Spotlight: Dr. Jeff Hovis
Recently retired as a faculty member at the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science after 38 years, Dr. Jeff Hovis is actively studying visual performance and vision standards in aviation, rail and maritime transportation along with law enforcement.Â
He has a special interest in how effectively individuals with colour vision deficiencies can interpret coloured information. Dr. Hovis has been a member of the CNC-CIE since 2015, a past president of the Canadian National Committee of the CIE and a past Canadian CIE Division 1: Vision and Colour member.