What it is
A color blind test, also called a color vision test, looks at how well someone can tell colors apart. Most people who are color blind can see colors, but they may confuse certain shades, such as reds and greens or blues and yellows.
Different types exist. Protan and deutan types usually affect red-green discrimination, while tritan types affect blue-yellow discrimination. Severity can range from mild to more significant, so two people with the same type may have quite different experiences.
Some color vision differences are present from birth and are more common in men. Others can develop later in life because of eye conditions, certain health issues or some medications. A test can be a first step toward understanding which situation applies to you.
How it’s traditionally been approached
The best-known approach uses pseudoisochromatic plates. These are pictures made of colored dots with a number or shape hidden inside, and the person is asked what they can see. Many people have met this kind of chart at school or at a routine eye visit.
Other traditional tests ask the person to arrange colored caps or discs in order, or to match colors using a special instrument. These can give a fuller picture of the type and degree of color vision difference than a quick screening.
Free online tests are popular for curiosity, but screen settings, lighting and display quality can affect what you see. They are generally treated as informal screeners, not a substitute for an in-person evaluation by a licensed professional.
How the right doctor may help
The right provider, such as an optometrist or ophthalmologist who offers comprehensive color vision testing, may be able to check your color vision in a controlled setting and explain the results in plain language. A visit generally starts with questions about your history, your family and any difficulties you notice in daily life.
Testing is often quick and painless, and it may sit alongside a broader eye exam. For children, pediatric color vision testing may use child-friendly approaches, which can help families and teachers understand how a child sees colors in class.
Helpful questions to ask include: Which type of color vision difference do I appear to have, and how mild or strong is it? Could anything else, like an eye condition or a medication, be involved? Are color-enhancing filter glasses or contact lenses worth discussing for me? Your provider decides what is appropriate after an evaluation, and nothing can be promised.
The whole-person view
Body, mind and stress affect each other, and that includes how we feel about our vision. Learning you may be color blind can bring relief, curiosity or frustration, especially if it touches school, work or hobbies. Rest, general eye health and everyday stress can all shape how comfortable you feel with your vision.
Some people find body-based support, such as the approaches listed through Somatic Experiences, helpful for managing stress around health news. Others prefer to talk things through with a professional, such as those found through Therapists.plus. Either way, these are supportive options and not replacements for an eye exam.
Keep in mind
- Color-enhancing filter glasses and contact lenses do not cure color blindness and do not restore normal color vision. How well they work, if at all, varies by your type (protan, deutan or tritan) and severity, so ask a provider about them.
- Online tests and apps are informal. Only a licensed professional can evaluate your vision and tell you what your results mean.
- Career and licensing color vision standards, such as aviation, military, law enforcement, commercial driving, electrical trades and maritime, vary by employer and authority and change over time. Confirm current requirements with the specific employer, licensing body or agency.
- A sudden change in color vision or vision can signal a health issue and should be checked by a licensed professional promptly. For emergencies call 911; in a crisis call or text 988.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a color blind test?
A color blind test is a check of how well you can tell colors apart. It often uses charts of colored dots with hidden numbers or shapes. A licensed eye doctor can evaluate your results and explain what they may mean.
Are online color blind tests accurate?
Online color blind tests can be a useful first look, but they are informal. Screen brightness, color settings and room lighting can change what you see. A provider's in-person testing is the more dependable way to understand your color vision.
Where can I get a color blind test?
Optometrists and ophthalmologists commonly offer color vision testing, often as part of an eye exam. Some providers offer more comprehensive testing, and some focus on children. You can use the directory to look for providers who list these services.
Can a child take a color blind test?
Yes, children can be tested, and pediatric color vision testing may use child-friendly methods. Early awareness can help families and teachers understand how a child sees colors. Ask a provider what is appropriate for your child's age.
Can color blind glasses fix color blindness after a test?
No. Color-enhancing filter glasses and contact lenses do not cure color blindness or restore normal color vision. Some people find they change how certain colors look, but results vary by type and severity. Ask a licensed provider whether they are worth discussing for you.
Does a color blind test show which type I have?
Some tests can suggest whether you have a protan, deutan or tritan type and how strong it is, while simple screeners may only show that something is different. A provider can choose the right tests and explain the results. The details depend on the specific tests used.
Educational resource. Colorblind Glasses shares general information and connects people with independent doctors. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a licensed professional about your health.