Color blindness is a condition that affects the way a person perceives color. It is estimated that 8% of men and 0.5% of women are affected by some form of color blindness. A color blindness test is used to diagnose the condition and determine the type and severity of color blindness.
What is a Color Blindness Test?
A color blindness test is a series of tests used to diagnose color blindness. The tests measure the ability to distinguish between different colors and shades. The tests are usually administered by an ophthalmologist or optometrist.
Who Needs a Color Blindness or Color Vision Test?
Anyone who suspects they may have color blindness should get tested. Color blindness can be inherited or acquired, so it is important to get tested if you have a family history of color blindness or if you have recently experienced any changes in your vision.
What Tests are Done for Color Blindness?
The most common tests used to diagnose color blindness are the color plates test (pseudoisochromatic plates test), the ordering test, and the comparison test.
Color Plates Test (Pseudoisochromatic Plates Test)
The color plates test is the most common test used to diagnose color blindness. The test consists of a series of plates with patterns of dots in different colors. The patient is asked to identify the colors of the dots.
Ordering Test
The ordering test is used to measure the ability to distinguish between different shades of color. The patient is asked to arrange a series of colored chips in order from lightest to darkest.
Comparison Test
The comparison test is used to measure the ability to distinguish between different colors. The patient is asked to compare two colors and determine which one is different.
How Do I Prepare?
No special preparation is required for a color blindness test. You should wear comfortable clothing and avoid wearing any makeup or jewelry that could interfere with the test.
What Can I Expect After a Color Blindness Test?
After the test, the doctor will review the results and determine if you have color blindness. If you do have color blindness, the doctor will discuss treatment options with you.
What are the Risks of this Test?
There are no risks associated with a color blindness test.
What Type of Results Do You Get and What Do the Results Mean?
The results of a color blindness test will indicate the type and severity of color blindness. The results will also indicate if the color blindness is inherited or acquired.
When Should I Call My Doctor?
If you experience any changes in your vision, you should contact your doctor.
How Do I Know if I’m Color Blind?
The only way to know for sure if you are color blind is to get tested.
References
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2020). Color Blindness. Retrieved from https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/color-blindness
- National Eye Institute. (2020). Color Blindness. Retrieved from https://nei.nih.gov/health/color_blindness/facts_about
- Mayo Clinic. (2020). Color Blindness. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/color-blindness/symptoms-causes/syc-20355918
Keywords: color blindness test, color blindness, color vision test, color plates test, ordering test, comparison test