The change in colour critical flicker fusion (CFF) values and accommodation times during experimental repetitive tasks with CRT display screens

Abstract

Two groups of normal subjects were loaded an experimental visual task, or a calculating and discriminating task, on a CRT display screen under different work speeds and amounts. The colour (red, green and yellow) CFF values of the subjects were measured every 15 min during the task and their accommodative function, represented by the accommodation time, was measured before and after the task. The two groups of subjects showed no significant differences in the pattern of change in the colour CFF values. The green and yellow CFF deteriorated significantly at 30 min after the start of the task. The red CFF values decreased significantly at 15 min after the start of the task and this conditions continued to the end of the task. Both groups showed a lengthening accommodation relaxation time but no change in the accommodation relaxation time after the task. This increase in the relaxation time was larger in the group of subjects who were loaded a larger amount of work at a higher speed. The results suggest that the decrease in the CFF value of the subject, particularly when the subject sees light directly using a CRT display screen, does not signify the decline in the activity or consciousness level of the brain centre alone.