Color Blindness

Exams and Tests

Tests can detect color blindness by measuring the ability to recognize different colors.

A test that is used to check for inherited color vision problems is called a pseudoisochromatic plate test. For this test, you are asked to look at a square of colored dots and identify a pattern, such as a letter or number, within the colored dots. People who have normal color vision can see these patterns. People who have color vision problems can see only some of these patterns or cannot see the patterns at all. Often the type of color vision problem a person has can be determined from which patterns they can identify in the plate test.

An arrangement test is used to check for acquired color vision problems or check the severity of inherited color vision problems. This test involves arranging colored chips in sequence according to hue (color) from a reference color. People who have normal color vision can arrange the colored chips with similar color. People who have color vision problems cannot arrange the colored chips correctly.

For more information about vision tests, including tests used for color vision, see the topic Vision Tests.

Early detection

Because a color vision problem can have a significant impact on a person's life, it is important to detect it as early as possible. In children, color vision problems can affect learning abilities and reading development and may limit career choices. Most experts recommend eye exams for children between ages 3 and 5. Vision screening is recommended for all children at least once before entering school, preferably between the ages of 3 and 4.

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Author:	Robin Parks, MS	Last Updated: October 31, 2007
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Carol L. Karp, MD - Ophthalmology
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