A color vision test checks your ability to distinguish between different colors.
You will sit in a comfortable position in regular lighting. The health care provider will explain the test to you.
You will be shown several cards with colored dot patterns. In the patterns, some of the dots will appear to form numbers or symbols. You will be asked to identify the symbols, if possible.
As you cover one eye, the tester will hold the test cards 14 inches from your face and ask you to quickly identify the symbol found in each color pattern.
Depending on the problem suspected, you may be asked to determine the intensity of a color, especially in one eye compared to the other. This is often tested by using the cap of a red eyedrop bottle.
If your child is having this test performed, it may be helpful to explain how the test will feel, and to practice or demonstrate on a doll. Your child will feel less anxious about the test if you explain what will happen and why.
Usually there is a sample card of multicolored dots that almost everyone can identify, even people with color vision problems.
If you or your child normally wears glasses, wear them during the test.
Small children may be asked to tell the difference between a red bottle cap and caps of a different color.
The test is similar to a vision test.
This test is done to determine whether you have any problems with your color vision.
Color vision problems usually fall into two categories:
Normally, you will be able to distinguish all colors.
This test can determine the following congenital (present from birth) color vision problems:
Problems in the optic nerve can show up as a loss of color intensity, although the test may be normal.
There are no risks with this test.
Eye test - color; Vision test - color; Ishihara color vision test
Adams AJ, Verdon WA, Spivey BE. Color vision. In: Tasman W, Jaeger EA, eds. Duane's Foundations of Clinical Ophthalmology. 2013 ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2012:vol.2, chap 19.
American Academy of Ophthalmology Preferred Practice Patterns Committee. Preferred Practice Pattern Guidelines. Comprehensive Adult Medical Eye Evaluation. Available at http://one.aao.org/CE/PracticeGuidelines/PPP_Content.aspx?cid=64e9df91-dd10-4317-8142-6a87eee7f517. Accessed February 26, 2013.
Olitsky SE, Hug D, Plummer LS, Stass-Isern M. Examination of the eye. In: Kliegman RM, Stanton BF, St. Geme JW III, et al., eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 19th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 611.
Updated by: Franklin W. Lusby, MD, Ophthalmologist, Lusby Vision Institute, La Jolla, California. Also reviewed by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc., Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Bethanne Black, Stephanie Slon, and Nissi Wang.
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