Colorblindness is the inability to see any color at all, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is a term that is often used improperly to describe individuals with poor color vision, which is the inability to distinguish certain colors from others. Usually, someone with poor color vision can't see the difference between some shades of red from some shades of green, or some shades of blue and some shades of yellow. Colorblindness and poor color vision are officially diagnosed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Step 1
Test yourself. Colorblindness and color vision tests are available online or for purchase at bookstores (see Resources). The test is designed to give you an idea of whether you may be colorblind or have poor color vision. Although these tests are not an authority and should not be used in place of a doctor's visit, they can give you a general idea of which colors you are having trouble seeing, if any.
Step 2
Determine which shapes you see in each picture. A background color, usually comprised of a number of colored dots, will feature patterns of slightly lighter or darker shades within itself, usually in the shape of a star, rectangle, number or letter.
Step 3
Write down which shapes you see in each picture. The number of pictures in each test varies, depending on the specific test you are taking.
Step 4
Consult the answer key to determine whether or not you have a color vision problem according to the test. If you do not get all of the questions right, see an ophthalmologist or optometrist.
Step 5
Get a pseudoisochromatic plate test. An ophthalmologist or optometrist can give you the test in her office. The doctor will project slides onto the wall that are comprised of small dots, similar to in the home test. Using these slides, the doctor can determine which type of color deficiency you have, if any. Usually, the doctor can tell you immediately whether or not you have poor color vision or colorblindness.
Tips and Warnings
- The American Optometric Association recommends that all children get an optometric exam before their first day of school.
- Do not rely on the results of your at-home test to determine whether or not you have poor color vision.
