P-103 Dyschromatopsia and medical fitness for work

• Published in: Occupational and environmental medicine (London, England) Vol. 80; no. Suppl 1; p. A88
• Main Authors: Belkahla, Amira, Brahim, Dorra, Youssef, Imen, Ghenim, Amal, Mechergui, Najla, Mersni, Mariem, Bahri, Ghada, Said, Hanene Ben, Ladhari, Nizar
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London BMJ Publishing Group Ltd 14.03.2023; BMJ Publishing Group LTD
• Subjects: Abstracts; Aptitudes; Color vision; Patients; Professional activities; Public transportation; Sex ratio
• ISSN: 1351-0711; 1470-7926
• DOI: 10.1136/OEM-2023-EPICOH.216

IntroductionColor vision deficiency is often unrecognized and diagnosed late, which can interfere with the professional careers of these patients. The screening and assessment can be done by several tests that assess the aptitude for a given profession.AimsDescribe the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patient with dyschromatopsiaDetermine the impact of this disease on the decision of fitness for work.MethodsCross-sectional descriptive study of workers with colour vision disorders referred to the occupational medicine consultation of Charles Nicolle Hospital in Tunis for medical advice on fitness for work during the period from January 2018 to July 2022. The screening tool was the Ishiara test for congenital dyschromatopsia and the D15 Lanthony desaturated colour test for acquired dyschormatopsia.ResultsA total of 29 patients were included. The average age was 37.07 ± 8.06 years. A sex ratio (M/F) was 0.96. The most represented sector was the public transport (n=12) , followed by the tertiary sector (n=8). The most prevalent job position was drivers (n=20). The average professional seniority was 16.7 ± 8.18 years. Among patients, 22 had congenital dyschromatopsia with severe Deutane type in 11 cases and five patients an acquired dyschromatopsia due to exposure to solvents with an impairment of the red-green axis in three cases. At the end of the medical aptitude consultation, 55.2% of the patients were considered fit to continue their usual professional activity and 15 patients had certain restrictions, mainly an exemption from night work in 13 cases. Depending on the type and severity of the dyschromatopsia and the nature of the required professional activity, twelve patients were judged permanently unfit for their jobs.ConclusionDyschromatopsia cannot always be treated but it should be screened and evaluated as its presence may lead to occupational restrictions or incapacity.