Color Blindness & Amsler: Vision Tests

Color blindness, or color vision deficiency, means you have trouble distinguishing certain colors because the cone cells in your retina don’t work properly. Most people inherit the condition, and the most common forms are red–green and blue–yellow deficiencies; complete color blindness, where you see no color at all, is very rare. Symptoms include difficulty telling the difference between shades of red and green, green and blue, or yellow and blue, trouble matching clothing, and problems recognizing how bright or vibrant a color is. Risk factors include a family history of color blindness, being male, eye diseases such as glaucoma or macular degeneration, chronic conditions like diabetes or multiple sclerosis, and certain medications. There is no cure for genetic color blindness, but early diagnosis and strategies to adapt can help you work around color vision challenges.

Color vision deficiency often causes difficulty distinguishing between shades of red and green or blue and yellow. You may see colors as duller than they are or struggle to judge how bright or saturated a color is. Most people inherit the condition from parents because of changes in the genes controlling the light‑sensing cone cells in the retina. Color blindness can also develop later from eye diseases like glaucoma or macular degeneration, chronic illnesses such as diabetes, exposure to chemicals, or side effects of certain medications. Symptoms range from mild difficulty telling similar hues apart to an inability to perceive any color.

Color vision deficiency is diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam. Your ophthalmologist will use tests like the Ishihara color plates, arrangement tests or computer-based assessments to check how well you recognize different colors. There is no cure for inherited color blindness; most people adapt by learning alternative cues. If color vision changes are caused by an eye disease or medication, treating the underlying problem may improve color perception. For patients at risk of macular degeneration, we recommend monitoring central vision at home with an Amsler grid and reporting any new distortion or blank spots.

An Amsler grid helps you check your central vision at home, especially if you have macular problems. Hold the grid at your usual reading distance in good light while wearing your reading glasses. Cover one eye and focus on the center dot without moving your gaze. Notice whether the straight lines appear wavy, blurry or if any boxes seem missing or dark. Repeat with the other eye. If you see any new distortion, blank spots or changes, call your eye doctor right away.

While there is no cure for inherited color blindness, many strategies can make life easier. Label clothing or arrange your wardrobe by color and rely on patterns, symbols or the position of lights rather than the color itself. Ask friends for help or use smartphone apps and special glasses or filters designed to improve color discrimination. Discuss adaptive tools with an eye care professional; with support, most people with color vision deficiency can perform everyday tasks, drive safely and enjoy independent lifestyles.

We provide resources and support for people living with color vision deficiency and their families. Our team offers genetic counseling to explain inheritance patterns, refers you to low-vision specialists, and suggests smartphone apps that identify colors or adjust contrast. Specially tinted glasses or contact lenses may also help some people distinguish colors more clearly. Our goal is to empower you with tools, information, and personalized advice so you can navigate daily life confidently.