FARNSWORTH LANTERN TEST Meaning and
Definition
-
The Farnsworth Lantern Test is a visual assessment tool utilized in the field of aviation and transportation to evaluate an individual's ability to accurately perceive differences in colors. It is named after its inventor, Dr. Dean Farnsworth, an American ophthalmologist.
The test involves presenting the subject with a series of colored lantern lights, typically red, green, and white, against a dark background. The lights are arranged in specific orders and sequences, and the subject is required to identify and correctly order them based on their colors. The Farnsworth Lantern Test assesses an individual's color vision by evaluating their ability to perceive and distinguish between different hues and shades accurately.
The results of the Farnsworth Lantern Test are typically graded on a pass or fail basis. Those who successfully arrange the lights in the correct order are considered to have normal color vision, while individuals who make color discrimination errors are identified as having some form of color vision deficiency.
The Farnsworth Lantern Test is particularly important in industries where accurate color recognition is crucial, such as aviation and maritime operations, where errors in color perception can have serious consequences. Pilots and sailors, for instance, must be able to differentiate between colored signals and lights to ensure safe navigation and communication. The Farnsworth Lantern Test provides a measure of color vision proficiency and allows for the identification of individuals who may require further evaluation or appropriate color-coding accommodations in their respective fields.
