The Effects of Artificial Light Sources on Color Judgment by the Aging Eye

Forty-nine volunteers (20 to 75 years old) with normal vision were tested on color judgment using the Lanthony New Color Test (NCT), under twofluorescent light sources-warm white and SP30. Mixed analyses of variancefor the effects of light source, age, and saturation revealed that age and saturation had an effect on color judgment whereas light type did not. As age increased, the number of errors in color judgment increased, and at lower saturation levels the oldest age group made significantly more errors in color judgment than the youngest age group. Implicationsfor interior designers, color and lighting consultants, and planners are discussed.