Metamerism in aesthetic prostheses under three standard illuminants--TL84, D65 and F.

This study looks at the effect of metamerism in colour-matching and the assessment of multi-layered silicone rubber finger prostheses. The aim was to identify the choice of illuminants for colour matching the prostheses that would give rise to the least metameric effect between the prostheses and the human skin or the best colour match. The prostheses were prepared and colour matched to a fair-skinned subject under 3 reference illuminants--TL84, D65, F and a combination of illuminants--TL84, D65 and F. The prostheses were then measured for colour using a spectrophotometer based on the CIE indices L*, a*, b* with each prosthesis assessed separately against the subject's index finger under the reference illuminants--TL84, D65 and F. The prostheses were also assessed by a panel of 50 observers and scored according to colour-match. Colour differences between the skin and prosthesis were measured in the illuminant under which the prostheses were prepared and then under the other reference illuminants. A relationship was obtained between the measured mean colour difference, deltaE*, and the mean visual assessment score for each prosthesis. This paper points out the concerns related to the optical phenomenon of metamerism with the colour pigments used. This can affect the colour match of the prosthesis as perceived by the patient. The findings seem to suggest that this metameric colour difference can be minimised if the prosthesis is matched under a combination of lights, which were found to give the best-perceived match.