Color blindness

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of color blindness involves an eye exam and a variety of tests. The Ishihara test is commonly used by eye doctors to diagnose red–green color blindness. Some of the patterns in the dots will be difficult or impossible to discern if one has a color vision problem. 

During the test, a sequence of color–patterned plates is presented. Each plate consists of an arrangement of small dots, within which a number or shape, in the case of young children, is embedded. The task is to recognize and point out the figures one can perceive on each plate. Certain plates contain numbers that are discernible exclusively to individuals with normal color vision, while others feature numbers that are only detectable by those with color vision deficiencies.

Treatment

Color blindness, particularly those that are inherited, has no known treatment. In cases where the problem is caused by use of medications or other conditions, discontinuing the medicine causing the vision problem or correcting the underlying diseases may improve one’s color vision. 

For people with mild forms of anomalous trichromacy, color–blindness glasses may provide a more vibrant color experience. However, these glasses are not a form of treatment and will not solve any problems with the cones. This can only help increase color contrast so that persons with color vision deficiencies can notice the differences more vividly. They do not, however, allow one to see any new hues, and the results vary depending on the individual. Others may prefer a colored filter over the glasses or a colored contact lens.

Potential future treatments: Some treatments are currently undergoing research to help with color blindness. Gene replacement techniques may be used to modify some rare retinal abnormalities linked with color deficit.