The sense of color is provided by cone cells in the retina of the eye. Congenital deficiencies in the function of these cone cells can cause hereditary color blindness. Various methods are used to detect color blindness. One of these methods is testing with color plates (Ishihara test). During diagnostic test, the person is expected to perceive the numbers on the colored plates correctly. Color blindness is suspected in people who cannot perceive the numbers correctly.
Such tests are an important tool in determining the type and degree of color blindness. The tests are usually done as follows:
- Ishihara Test: This test consists of different colored plates with a specific shape or number hidden in them. The person is expected to correctly identify these shapes or numbers.
- Anomaloscope: This device allows the person to match a specific color by mixing different colors. People with color blindness cannot make this match correctly.
- Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue Test: This test requires the person to put the colors in the correct order. People with color blindness have difficulty putting the hues in the correct order.
Color blindness is more common in men and is inherited. It is more common for women to be carriers, but they are less likely to experience color blindness. Different types of color blindness can be exemplified by red-green color blindness (the most common), blue-yellow color blindness and total color blindness (achromatopsia).
The content of our website is for informational purposes. It does not constitute a diagnosis or treatment recommendation. An ophthalmologist should be consulted for definitive diagnosis and treatment.
