Types of Color Blindness

Our experienced eye care professionals at Sta. Lucia Eye Center assess different types and severities of color vision deficiency, including:

• Red–green color blindness — the most common type. Individuals may have difficulty telling the difference between reds, greens, browns, and oranges, or may see these colors as more muted.
• Blue–yellow color blindness — less common. People may confuse blues and greens, or yellows and reds, and may see colors as less bright.
• Total color blindness (achromatopsia) — rare. Individuals see the world mostly in shades of gray and often have sensitivity to light and reduced visual acuity.

Understanding the type and severity of color vision deficiency helps guide career planning, educational support, and safety recommendations tailored to each patient.

How the Ishihara Color Vision Test Works

At Sta. Lucia Eye Center, the Ishihara test is the standard screening tool we use for red–green color vision deficiency. The test consists of a series of plates, each showing a circle made up of many colored dots. Within these dots, there is a number or pattern formed in a slightly different color.

During the test, you will be asked to identify the number or pattern on each plate. People with normal color vision can usually see these figures clearly. Those with certain types of color vision deficiency may not see the figure at all, or may see a different number than expected. Your responses allow our eye doctors to determine whether a deficiency is present and estimate its severity.

The Ishihara test is quick, non-invasive, and painless. It is typically performed under standard lighting conditions and does not require eye drops.

Who Should Get Color Vision Testing?

Color vision testing is recommended for:

• Children who struggle with color-based activities in school, such as reading color-coded charts, maps, or worksheets.
• Students and job applicants entering careers that require accurate color discrimination, such as aviation, maritime professions, engineering, design, healthcare, and certain technical trades.
• Adults who notice difficulty distinguishing traffic lights, electrical wiring colors, or product labels.
• Patients with eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or optic nerve disorders, and those taking medications known to affect color vision.
• Individuals with a family history of color vision deficiency who want to confirm their own status or that of their children.

Our multi-specialty team can also coordinate with other doctors in the clinic to ensure that any underlying medical conditions contributing to color vision changes are properly evaluated and managed.

What to Expect During Your Visit

When you visit Sta. Lucia Eye Center & Multi-Specialty Clinic for color vision testing, you can expect professional and organized care from an experienced team.

• Initial assessment — Our staff will review your medical and family history, current medications, and any symptoms you have noticed.
• Comprehensive eye examination — Depending on your needs, your doctor may perform a full eye exam to check your overall eye health, vision sharpness, and screening for common eye conditions.
• Ishihara color vision test — You will be guided through the plates one by one. The test usually takes only a few minutes and is suitable for both children and adults.
• Explanation of results — Your eye doctor will explain your results in clear terms, including the type and degree of any color vision deficiency and what it may mean for daily activities, schooling, or work.
• Personalized recommendations — When needed, we provide written reports for school or employment, safety advice, and guidance on tools or strategies to help you adapt to color vision challenges.

Because our clinic includes integrated pharmacy services, any prescribed eye medications or related treatments can be conveniently accessed on-site, supporting seamless and efficient care.