Variability of chromatic visual sensitivity: discrimination according to daily shifts

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study aimed to verify the daily variation in the chromatic visual sensitivity of healthy subjects. The study included 35 male adults, aged between 20 and 40 years old (M = 24.97; SD = 4.9). The evaluation of color perception was made through the Cambridge Colour Test, using the Trivector and Ellipse tests. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Sleep Diary, and the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale were used to assess possible influences of circadian rhythmicity. Significant differences were found for the protan confusion axes at 8 am (Z = 2.9; p = 0.012) and at 8 pm (Z = 2.8; p = 0.01), and deutan at 8 am (Z = 2.6; p = 0.028) and at 8 pm (Z = 3.5; p = 0.001), and for the A1 ellipses areas at 8 am (Z = 2.5; p = 0.037) and at 8 pm (Z = 2.4; p = 0.018), and A3 at 8 am (Z = 2.1; p = 0.039) and at 8 pm (Z = 3.6; p = 0.001). Thus, chromatic sensitivity can be characterized by an inverted U-shaped curve, with peak sensitivity in the morning and evening, and attenuation in the afternoon.