Ability Tests
Color Blind Test — Ishihara-Style Color Vision Screener
12-plate color vision screener. Identifies signs of red-green colorblindness. Not a medical diagnosis — see an eye doctor for a definitive test.
⚠ Screening tool only. Results depend on your monitor calibration and lighting. If you suspect colorblindness, book a full color-vision exam with an ophthalmologist or optometrist for a real diagnosis.
1 / 12 Plate
Your result
Likely normal color vision
You correctly identified 12 of 12 plates.
About 92% of people get this result
The four types — quick reference
Deuteranopia / Deuteranomaly
Reduced or absent green cones. Most common — about 6% of males. Reds and greens look similar.
Protanopia / Protanomaly
Reduced or absent red cones. About 2% of males. Reds appear darker; reds and greens confused.
Tritanopia / Tritanomaly
Reduced or absent blue cones. Very rare (under 0.01%). Blues and yellows confused.
Achromatopsia
Total colorblindness — only shades of grey. Extremely rare (about 1 in 33,000). Often comes with light sensitivity.
Frequently asked questions
Is this test medically accurate?
It's a screening tool, not a diagnosis. Online Ishihara tests are affected by your monitor's color calibration, ambient lighting, and screen type. Results correlate well with professional tests in most cases, but only an eye doctor with calibrated equipment can confirm your exact type and severity.
What are the types of colorblindness?
Four main categories: Protanopia (no red cone function), Deuteranopia (no green cone function), Tritanopia (no blue cone function), and Achromatopsia (no color at all). Each has a partial version where cones are weak rather than absent. Red-green types are by far the most common, affecting about 8% of males and 0.5% of females of Northern European descent.
Can colorblindness be cured?
No cure exists. The condition is genetic, caused by missing or altered cone photoreceptors in the retina. Color-correction glasses (like EnChroma) filter specific wavelengths to increase perceived color contrast — they don't restore normal vision but can help distinguish previously-confused colors.
Can colorblindness get worse over time?
Genetic colorblindness usually stays stable. Acquired colorblindness is different: diabetes, multiple sclerosis, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and certain medications can damage color vision and cause progressive loss. If your color vision is getting worse, see a doctor.
At what age can you test a child for colorblindness?
Once they can reliably identify numbers or shapes — typically age 4–5. Early detection matters because colorblind kids can struggle in classrooms that use color-coded materials. Teachers and parents can adapt materials if they know.
Why do men get colorblindness more often than women?
The most common types (red-green) are carried on the X chromosome. Males have only one X, so a single defective copy causes colorblindness. Females have two X chromosomes, so they need both copies defective — making it 16× rarer in women. Women with one defective copy are carriers.
What jobs are off-limits for colorblind people?
A few professions still restrict based on color vision: commercial pilot, train engineer, some police departments, electrician. Many militaries restrict certain roles. Most other jobs have adapted — graphic designers use calibrated tools, medical imaging relies on ranges. Check specific job requirements before planning a career around a result.
Why can colorblind people sometimes spot camouflage better?
It's a documented effect. Normal color vision can be distracted by color, missing shape and texture cues. Colorblind observers rely more on brightness and pattern, which can reveal camouflaged objects using similar colors to the background. Studied in military and wildlife observation contexts.
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