Color vision test

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Color blindness tests

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Color vision test

Definition:

A color vision test checks your ability to distinguish between different colors.

Alternative Names:

Eye test - color; Vision test - color; Ishihara color vision test

How the test is performed:

You will sit in a comfortable position, and your health care provider will explain the test to you. You will be shown several symbols made of colored dot patterns. These dot patterns are on a background of randomly mixed colors.

You will be asked to identify the symbols, if possible.

As you cover one eye, the tester will hold the test plates 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. Your child will feel less anxious about the test if you explain what will happen and why..

If you or your child normally wears glasses, wear them during the test.

With small children, distinguishing a red bottle cap from caps of a different color may be the test.

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. Changes in color vision can often be the first sign of a vision problem.

Review Date: 4/8/2005
Reviewed By: Raymond S. Douglas, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Ophthalmology, UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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