Does welding affect visual acuities or color sensitivity?

A group of 41 welders of varying ages and experience in the welding trade were examined for color discrimination, vernier, pattern, and stereoacuities. Results indicated usual binocular correlations and deterioration over age but no significant deviation from the population at large-even when individuals had experienced a series of "flashes" and other phenomena associated with welding. These results are to be contrasted with the equivalent auditory conditions, where hearing loss is known to occur.