Why colour vision testing matters in 2026

Colour vision testing checks how well your eyes and brain can tell the difference between colours. Many people assume colour vision problems are rare or obvious. In reality, many adults and children have never been tested and do not realise there is an issue.

Colour vision affects everyday tasks like driving, reading signs, recognising warning lights, choosing food, and working safely. In 2026, colour vision testing remains an important part of understanding overall eye health and visual function.

Quick Summary

• Colour vision issues are more common than most people realise

• Many adults have never had a colour vision test

• Some colour vision problems are present from birth

• Others can develop later due to eye or health conditions

• Testing is quick, simple, and non-invasive

• Early detection supports safety, career planning, and eye health monitoring

What is colour vision?

Colour vision is your ability to see and tell the difference between colours, particularly reds, greens, blues, and yellows. This process relies on specialised cells in the retina called cones, which send colour information to the brain.

If these signals do not work properly, colours may appear muted, similar to one another, or difficult to identify accurately.

What is colour vision deficiency?

Colour vision deficiency is when someone has difficulty distinguishing certain colours. It does not usually mean seeing only in black and white. Most people with colour vision deficiency still see colour, but differently from others.

The most common type affects red and green colours. Blue and yellow difficulties are less common.

Many people adapt from a young age and may not realise their colour vision differs from those around them.

Is colour vision deficiency common?

Yes. Colour vision deficiency affects:

• Around 1 in 12 males

• Around 1 in 200 females

It is more common in males because the most frequent types are inherited through the X chromosome.

Because colour vision deficiency often causes no pain or obvious vision loss, many people are never tested unless there is a specific reason.

Inherited colour vision deficiency vs acquired colour vision changes

Inherited colour vision deficiency

• Present from birth

• Usually stable throughout life

• Most commonly affects red and green colour perception

• Often discovered during childhood or later through testing

Acquired colour vision changes

• Develop later in life

• Can affect one or both eyes

• May worsen over time

• Sometimes linked to eye disease, general health conditions, or medication use

Identifying whether a colour vision issue is inherited or acquired helps guide further eye health checks when needed.

Can colour vision problems develop later in life?

Yes. Not all colour vision issues are inherited.

Colour vision changes can occur due to:

• Eye conditions affecting the retina or optic nerve

• Diabetes and other systemic health conditions

• Certain medications

• Head injury

• Age-related changes in eye health

When colour vision changes develop later in life, they can sometimes be an early sign of an underlying eye or nerve issue, even before other symptoms appear.

Why colour vision testing is important

Colour vision testing is not just about identifying a condition. It plays a role in several important areas.

Safety

Everyday safety often relies on colour recognition, including traffic lights, warning labels, indicator lights, and electrical wiring.

Work and career planning

Some careers rely heavily on accurate colour vision, such as:

• Electrical and trade roles

• Aviation and transport

• Defence and emergency services

• Certain technical, medical, and laboratory roles

Early testing helps avoid unexpected issues later when career pathways are already established.

Monitoring eye health

Changes in colour vision can sometimes indicate eye or nerve conditions before changes in visual clarity occur.

When should colour vision be tested?

Colour vision testing is useful at different life stages, including:

• At school entry

• During teenage years

• Before choosing certain careers or trades

• As part of routine adult eye exams

• If colours suddenly appear different or dull

Even if colour vision was checked in childhood, repeat testing can still be relevant later in life.

How colour vision testing works

Colour vision testing is quick and non-invasive. It is commonly included as part of a thorough eye examination.

Common tests include:

• Pattern plate tests where numbers or shapes appear within coloured dots

• Arrangement tests where coloured tiles are placed in order

These tests help determine the presence, type, and severity of colour vision difficulties.

Can colour vision deficiency be treated?

Inherited colour vision deficiency cannot be cured. However, understanding how colour vision works allows people to adapt safely and confidently in daily life and work.

For acquired colour vision changes, treating the underlying eye or health condition may improve colour vision in some cases.

Regardless of the cause, knowing about a colour vision issue supports better decision-making and eye care planning.

Colour vision testing at E Eye Place

At E Eye Place, colour vision testing is included as part of a thorough eye examination when appropriate. Results are explained clearly and related to your daily activities, work needs, and overall eye health.

Testing is quick, comfortable, and focused on helping you understand how your vision functions, not just what the results show.

If you have never had your colour vision tested, or if you have noticed changes in how colours appear, booking an eye exam is a simple place to start.