A simple modification of the Farnsworth-Munsell 100-hue test for much faster assessment of color vision.

PURPOSE

The Farnsworth-Munsell (FM) 100-hue test is well known but is also time consuming, especially its analytical component. To reduce this needless time-waste during precious working hours, a simple modification was devised.

DESIGN

Prospective, comparative, observational study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A transparent clear plastic carrier box replaced the opaque one, allowing ready digital photodocumentation of top and bottom without even opening the box, or handling/inverting the caps -200 reportedly normals and 50 known color vision defectives could be easily tested on this modified-FM and results stored, allowing rapid turnover. The captured scores with patient ID were analyzed, at leisure, outside hospital time, saving 45-60 minutes/patient. After recording, the box was promptly handed over to the next subject for rearrangement. Times taken for test/patient were recorded.

RESULTS

Running time was reduced from 60-75 min to 15 min/patient with no waste of invaluable lab hours. Turnover time is limited to capturing two photographs (60 sec). The box is relatively cheap and easy to maintain.

CONCLUSIONS

Our simplified FM 100-hue test allowed rapid assessment of color visions with easy data storage of both top and bottom.