Color vision test craze: What your results may reveal about your eyes
This simple optical test for color perception takes the internet by storm, and the results are surprising to many users. Find out how the test works and what your results might say about the health of your eyes. Check if you see colors like most people!
4:14 PM EDT, September 18, 2024
The debate over the blanket's color—green or blue—sparked more than just a household discussion. Neurobiologist Dr. Patrick Mineault, inspired by differences in color perception, developed a color vision test that allows us to see how we perceive colors compared to others. The test quickly gained popularity, and its simplicity and accessibility allowed anyone to participate. But what can the results tell us about our vision and health?
Color vision test
The color vision test has become an internet phenomenon, allowing users to see how they perceive colors compared to others. Its creation was inspired by the personal difference in color perception between neurobiologist Dr. Patrick Mineault and his wife, an ophthalmologist. The debate over the color of the blanket—green or blue—motivated Mineault to create a test that allows users to assess whether their color perception is typical or differs from the norm.
The basic test involves distinguishing between blue and green using simple screen charts. The user has two buttons to choose from: "This is blue" or "This is green." After going through the charts, the system analyzes the responses and presents the results. Interestingly, the boundary between colors can vary among people, allowing for a better understanding of individual differences in color perception. The test can be taken on the website My Blue.
Test results and eye health
The test results not only provide information about how one sees colors but can also offer valuable insights into eye health. Outlying results do not necessarily indicate vision problems but rather reflect individual differences in naming and distinguishing colors. As Dr. Patrick Mineault emphasizes, the test result is not always a clear indicator of eye health but rather a tool for understanding how our brain interprets colors.
However, it is worth noting that abnormal color discrimination can indicate eye conditions such as color blindness or other color vision disorders. If the test results significantly differ from the typical ones, consulting an ophthalmologist and undergoing more detailed examinations might be a good idea.
