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Color vision test   

Overview | Risks | Results

Alternative names:

Vision test - color

Definition:

A visual exam that tests for deficiencies in color discrimination.

How the Test is Performed

Your health care provider will ask you to sit in a comfortable position, and the test will be explained to you. You will be shown several tests plates illustrating the types of symbols you will be asked to identify.

Usually Isihara (pseudoisochromatic) plates are used to test color vision. They are made of dot patterns composed of primary colors. These dot patterns represent a symbol that is superimposed on a background of randomly mixed colors.

You will cover one eye, and the tester will then show you the test plates, holding them 14 inches from your face, and ask you to quickly identify the symbol found in each color scheme.

How to Prepare for the Test

If your child is to have this test performed, it may be helpful to explain how the test will feel, and even practice or demonstrate on a doll. The more familiar your child is with what will happen and why, the less anxiety he or she will feel.

If you or your child normally wears glasses, they should be worn during the test.

In small children, color recognition such as a recognizing a red bottlecap may be performed instead.

How the Test will Feel

The test is similar to a vision test.

Why the Test is Performed

By using these plates, your health care provider can detect, classify, and estimate the degree of defect in your color vision.

In some circumstances, color vision testing is used to evaluate the function of the optic nerve.  The optic nerve is the main nerve connecting the eye to the brain.

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