Colour Vision Test: Everything You Should Know

Colour is such an integral part of our daily lives that often we forget just how reliant we are on it, from reading signs on the road to choosing fresh fruit; colour prompts instantaneous decisions without much conscious thought. To some people, however, colours do not appear as they do to others, and that is where the colour vision test becomes vital. It helps the doctor ascertain whether a person can see colours as clearly as others or if challenges are in distinguishing certain shades.

In this blog, I'm going to walk you through how a colour vision test works, why it's so important, what the results mean, and a few things people often get wrong about colour vision in general. We're going to try to keep everything as simple and easy to follow as possible.

What is a Colour Vision Test?

A colour vision test is a simple screening process to check the capability of distinguishing between different colours. People commonly think it is about being able to see red or green, but actually, it should encompass examining how eyes and the brain together interpret a wide range of hues.

The common form of colour vision problem is often referred to as red-green deficiency. That is, the eyes cannot tell the difference between shades of red and green. Some people are born with it, but often it develops with age or due to certain health conditions. Colour vision tests help identify the type and level of difficulty.

Why Colour Vision Matters More Than You Think

People believe that colour vision problems cause minor difficulties, like choosing clothes or selecting fruits and vegetables at their ripe stage. Nevertheless, colour plays an important part in many activities: electricians, designers, pilots, drivers, and even medical professionals depend on correct colour perception. A little mistake in distinguishing colours will lead to various types of errors in those professions.

Even the simplest day-to-day matters are easier when colour perception is clear. Think of checking traffic lights, reading charts, or even picking out medicines. A colour vision test brings clarity and helps people understand how they view the world. If there's a difficulty, it allows them to take steps to make tasks safer and more comfortable.

How a Colour Vision Test Is Done

There are a number of techniques normally employed in a colour vision test. Each examines a slightly different aspect of colour perception. The following are the common ones in use:

Ishihara Plates Test

This is the test that almost everyone has ever seen at one time or another in their lives. It consists of several plates with small, coloured dots. The number or pattern hidden within these dots can easily be seen by a person who has normal colour vision. If a person cannot see the number very clearly, then that may indicate some issue in colour vision.

The beauty of the Ishihara test is that it is simple, quick, and requires no fancy equipment. It basically checks for red-green vision.

Farnsworth D15 Test

This test involves the arrangement of coloured caps in natural order. It is meant to check how well a person can distinguish between minor colour changes. The test is usually used to determine if the problem was mild or more noticeable.

Anomaloscope Test

This test is more detailed and usually executed in specialised clinics. The individual being tested adjusts two different light sources until they appear to match. It gives a very accurate result on the type and level of colour vision difficulty.

Cambridge Colour Test

This is a computer-based test. A shape would appear on a screen with a colour that blends into the background. The person is required to identify the shape. It checks colour thresholds more accurately and is usually employed for research or detailed assessment.

All of these test methods are painless and only take a few minutes. They simply measure how well the eyes detect light and colour information.

What the Results Tell You

A colour vision test may yield three possible outcomes:

• Normal Colour Vision

Most people fall into this category. They can view a full range of colours, distinguishing shades with no difficulty whatsoever.

• Colour Vision Deficiency

This is a condition whereby one has problems differentiating certain colours. The most common is red-green, though some individuals can have blue-yellow difficulty.

• Total Colour Vision Loss

This is extremely rare. In this condition, people see the world in shades of grey. But this happens to only a very small percentage of the population.

Most of the test results describe the severity, whether it is mild, moderate, or strong, which helps in planning for the future, specifically when one chooses a field in which colour accuracy matters.

Is Colour Vision Deficiency the Same as Colour Blindness?

Many people believe that colour blindness is the complete inability to see colour. That is simply not true in most cases. Most colour vision-deficient people can actually still perceive colours, just differently from others. The term colour blindness is used loosely and does not actually describe what occurs.

If the condition is mild, someone often learns to adapt over time. Some people rely on brightness or position instead of colour, so at traffic lights, for example, they look at the position of the lights rather than the colour. Others may use labels or apps to help them with everyday tasks.

What Causes Colour Vision Difficulty

There could be any of the following reasons for a person's poor colour recognition:

• Genetic Factors

Most cases are inherited; it tends to run in families, and if it does, then it will probably persist over many generations. Men have it more than women, usually because of the way genes work.

• Changes in Age

The lens of the eye is less clear with ageing and might affect colour perception slightly.

• Eye Diseases

Glaucoma, cataracts, or other diabetic eye problems can harm the cells that make colour vision possible.

• Medication or Chemical Exposure

Certain medicines or strong chemicals can temporarily affect colour sensitivity.

• Nerve-Related Problems

Moreover, in some cases, the nerve connecting the eye to the brain may be affected by health conditions that could also change colour perception.

Is it Possible to Treat Colour Vision Deficiency?

There is no medical treatment that completely rectifies inherited colour deficiency. However, there are helpful tools like special lenses or glasses that can enhance colour contrast. These do not cure the condition but make colour recognition easier in certain situations.

For conditions brought about by illness or ageing, treatment of the underlying problem may sometimes lead to an improvement in colour vision. Regular eye checks are useful, particularly if there is a family history of eye disorders.

Should Children Have Colour Vision Tested?

What may come as a surprise to many parents is that colour vision difficulty may manifest quite early in childhood years. Children who cannot differentiate between certain colours may face slight difficulties going about their tasks related to school, which may involve colour coding. A quick colour vision test can help teachers and parents understand the child's needs better.

Early testing can also guide children when they grow older and choose a career. For example, fields like aviation or some branches of engineering have colour vision requirements.

How to Prepare for a Colour Vision Test

No special preparation is required. Here are some simple tips:

• Take care to rest your eyes.
• If you wear glasses, bring them along with you.
• Avoid staring at bright lights just before the test.
• Stay relaxed; it is not a stressful test at all.

The examiner will walk you through each step.

Myths About Colour Vision Testing 

There are several common beliefs that people have heard over the years. Let me clear a few of them. 

• Myth 1. Colour blindness means seeing only black and white. 
  Fact: Very few people actually experience the total loss of colour. Most of them still can see colours, but differently. 
• Myth 2: Colour vision can be corrected by eating certain foods. 
  Fact: This is not scientifically validated. Healthy food generally does support eye health, but it can't fix inherited colour deficiency.
• Myth 3: Children will outgrow colour vision issues. 
  Fact: If it's inherited, it will often stay with them throughout life. 
• Myth 4: Colour vision tests are difficult.
  Fact: They are very straightforward and usually take only a few minutes. 

Why Colour Vision Awareness Matters

A colour vision test is a simple but important component of eye care. It helps people make sense of how they see the world and whether there is anything they should be particularly aware of, either in daily life or in career choices. Most find that even if they have a minor colour vision issue, they can handle day-to-day quite comfortably with the right awareness. Regular eye check-ups and proper guidance are what make all the difference. 

Of course, many people appreciate reassurance through good medical support, which is where reliable health insurance cover from us at Niva Bupa often becomes a sensible part of long-term planning, especially when it relates to overall eye health and well-being.

People Also Ask

1. What is a colour vision test used for?

A colour vision test is used to check how well a person can tell different colours apart. It helps identify if someone has a colour vision deficiency, which can affect daily tasks and certain professions.

2. Is a colour vision test painful or difficult?

Not at all. The test is quick, painless and very easy to follow. Most screenings involve identifying numbers or patterns in coloured dots or arranging coloured caps.

3. Can children take a colour vision test?

Yes, children can and should take a colour vision test, especially if teachers or parents notice any confusion with colour-based tasks. Early testing helps guide them better in school and later career choices.

4. Can colour vision deficiency be treated?

There is no complete cure for inherited colour vision deficiency, but special lenses or glasses can help improve colour contrast for some people. If the issue is caused by an eye condition, treating that condition may sometimes help.

5. Do I need to prepare before taking a colour vision test?

No special preparation is needed. Just make sure your eyes feel rested and carry your glasses if you use them. The examiner will guide you through the whole test.