A color vision test checks your ability to distinguish between different colors.
Alternative NamesEye test - color; Vision test - color; Ishihara color vision test
How the test is performedYou 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 testIf 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 feelThe test is similar to a vision test.
Why the test is performedThis test is done to determine if you have any problems in your color vision.
In some cases, color vision testing is done to determine how well your optic nerve works. 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.
Normal ValuesNormally, you will be able to distinguish all colors.
What abnormal results meanThis test can determine the following color vision problems:
There are no risks associated with this test.
A color vision test checks your ability to distinguish between different colors.
Alternative NamesEye test - color; Vision test - color; Ishihara color vision test
How the test is performedYou will sit in a comfortable position in regular lighting, and your health care provider will explain the test to you. You will be shown several cards with multicolored dot patterns. In the patterns, some of the dots will apear 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 plates 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.
How to prepare for the testIf 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.
How the test will feelThe test is similar to a vision test.
Why the test is performedThis 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.
What abnormal results meanThis test can determine the following color vision problems:
Problems in the optic nerve can show up as a loss of color intensity, although the test may be normal.
What the risks areThere are no risks associated with this test.
ReferencesAdams AJ, Verdon WA, Spivey BE. Color vision. In: Tasman W, Jaeger EA, eds. Duane's Foundations of Clinical Ophthalmology. 15th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2009:chap 19.
American Academy of Ophthalmology Preferred Practice Patterns Committee. Preferred Practice Pattern Guidelines. Comprehensive Adult Medical Eye Evaluation. San Francisco, CA: American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2010. Accessed January 17, 2011.
Olitsky SE, Hug D, Smith LP. Examination of the eye. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 618.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 02/10/2011
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; and Franklin W. Lusby, MD, Ophthalmologist, Lusby Vision Institute, La Jolla, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A color test is a method used to assess color vision deficiency or color blindness in individuals. It typically involves showing color plates or images with hidden numbers or patterns that are difficult to see for those with color vision deficiencies. The person undergoing the test is asked to identify the hidden elements, and based on their responses, the type and severity of color blindness can be determined.
The iodine test is used to test for starch. It reacts with starch to produce a purple blackish color.
The Ishihara color test is a common test for color blindness. It involves circles (Ishihara plate) with colorful dots and a number inside. If one cannot see the number in the circle, he or she could be color blind.
The Ishihara color test is a common test for color blindness. It involves circles (Ishihara plate) with colorful dots and a number inside. If one cannot see the number in the circle, he or she could be color blind.
A Propoxyphene test is used to detect Darvocet.
It is called Tonometry. This test determines the rigidity of the surface of the eye. It is used to detect glaucoma. Also, a high pressure could damage the optic nerve and cause blindness.
A polygraph is used to help detect if someone is lying.
The element magnesium imparts a bright white color to the flame when it is burned.
The nitrous acid color test is also known as the Griess test. It is a chemical test used to detect the presence of compounds that contain nitrogen, such as nitrites or secondary amines, which form a colored complex when treated with nitrous acid.
They can be.
A breast biopsy is not a screening test. A screening test is a test used to detect disease in a patient who has no signs and symptoms. A breast biopsy is a test used to detect disease in someone who has signs and symptoms.
The ninhydrin test can be used to detect the presence of glycine. When glycine reacts with ninhydrin, a purple color is produced which indicates the presence of amino acids like glycine.