Did you know that 1 in 255 women and 1 in 12 men have some form of colour vision deficiency. So it’s generally a good idea for anyone wanting to train in colour analysis to have their colour vision tested.
Accurate colour perception is essential in colour analysis, where the goal is to identify subtle variations in tones, undertones, and contrasts. Even slight colour vision deficiencies can make it challenging to distinguish certain hues, which could impact the quality of assessments.
Most colour vision tests are quick and can reveal any red-green or blue-yellow deficiencies. This information can help guide your approach in training, or, if there is a significant deficiency, determine if you may need specialized tools or techniques to ensure accuracy.
Several reputable online colour vision tests can give a general sense of colour perception and potential deficiencies. Here are some of the best:
The Top 3 Online Colour Vision Tests to Find Out…
- Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue Test – This test evaluates your ability to arrange coloured tiles in order by hue, assessing colour discrimination skills. X-Rite offers a well-known online version. https://www.xrite.com/hue-test
- Ishihara Colour Test – This is the most widely used test for detecting red-green colour deficiencies. It presents a series of images with coloured dots that form numbers. If you struggle to see certain numbers, it may indicate a colour deficiency. Colour Blindness Test by EnChroma offers an online version. https://enchroma.co.uk/pages/color-blindness-test
- RGB Anomaloscope – Though rare to find online, this test assesses red-green colour perception by asking you to match colours. It’s a bit more specialized and typically administered by eye care professionals, but some versions may be available online for an initial assessment.
These online tests can offer a preliminary idea, but seeing an eye care professional is ideal for an in-depth analysis, especially if you’re pursuing colour analysis as a profession.
What happens to colour vision as we age?
If it’s been a few years since you completed your colour analysis training course, you may also find it re-assuring to check your colour vision. Because as we age, changes in eye structure can affect colour vision in several ways:
Lens Yellowing
The lens may yellow over time, filtering out some light wavelengths. This can make colours appear duller, especially affecting blue and violet hues.
Reduced Light Sensitivity
Smaller, less responsive pupils make low-light colour perception harder, making colours seem less vivid in dim settings.
Retinal Cell Changes
A decrease in retinal cones (colour-detecting cells) can reduce the ability to distinguish between similar shades, particularly blues and greens.
Increased Eye Conditions
Age-related conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration also affect colour vision, reducing contrast and altering colour perception.
In summary
If you’re considering a career in colour analysis, it’s essential to ensure your colour vision is up to the task. Even slight colour vision deficiencies can impact your ability to detect subtle hues and undertones, which are crucial in providing accurate assessments. Testing your colour perception is a smart first step, and several online tests can help. The Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue Test, the Ishihara Colour Test, and various Colour Arrangement Tests each reveal different aspects of colour vision. For anyone serious about colour analysis, taking these quick tests can highlight potential challenges and guide your training journey.
If you’d like to find out how to train in Colour Analysis from the comfort of your own home, completed the form at the bottom of this page.
You might also find the following pages helpful:
Diploma Course in Colour Analysis
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Last Updated on 30th October 2024 by Helen Tobias