The Ishihara Test is one of the most popular Color Blind Test in use today. It’s also relatively easy to do at home and cost-effective, though you can get it done by your optometrist if you don’t want to do it yourself.
In this article, we’ll explain how the Ishihara Test works and what it tells you about your vision, as well as give instructions on how to do it yourself so that you can test for color blindness at home, both yourself and your children, if need be.
What Is The Ishihara Test?
The Ishihara Test is a color blindness test consisting of a series of colored plates, known as the Ishihara chart, which contain dots in various arrangements and colors.
The test is named after its creator, Dr. Shinobu Ishihara, who first published it in 1917. It was designed with two purposes in mind: (1) to identify red-green color deficient people; and (2) as an educational tool for children by introducing them to hues that are not found on their color wheel.
There are 38 different patterns that may be created from these dots that can identify specific types of red-green color deficiencies, depending on the pattern seen. In some cases where there is disagreement between different versions of the chart, all versions will typically provide an answer key.
How To Take It?
To take the test, you will need an Ishihara chart. These can be found online or at your eye doctor’s office. Once you have the chart, sit in a well-lit room and hold the chart at arm’s length.
Take a look at the first plate and try to identify the number or pattern. Reading glasses can be worn for the testing to improve results.
If you can’t see it, move on to the next plate. Repeat this process until you have gone through all of the plates.
Where To Take It?
The Ishihara test is the most common way to test for color blindness. It can be administered by an optometrist or ophthalmologist, and usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
The test consists of a series of plates, each with a different pattern of dots in different colors. The person being tested looks at the plate and is asked to identify the number or shape that is on it.
What Does It Mean If You Can’t See all Numbers?
If you can’t see all the numbers on the Ishihara chart, it means you may have a color deficiency. While there are different types and severity of colorblindness, it generally means you have difficulty seeing certain colors.
The most common type is red-green colorblindness, where people – usually men – have trouble seeing red and green. This can make everyday activities like picking out clothes or reading traffic lights difficult.
However, there are ways to adapt and people with colorblindness can still live full and productive lives.