What To Do If You Think Your Child Is Color-Blind

Color blindness can easily go undetected for years. We often assume a vision deficiency is easy to diagnose, but since vision is highly perspective, many people go about their daily lives, not knowing they have a deficiency at all.  

Parents should keep a close eye on their children as they begin to learn and understand colors for indicators that their child might be color-blind. Follow these steps if you are unsure of what to do if you think your child is color-blind.  

Look for Early Signals of Color Blindness  

Every child will react differently to their color vision perception. Some common signs of color blindness in your child may include using the wrong colors in color-specific situations, such drawing a purple tree or putting on a brown shirt instead of the red one you had requested.  

Short attention spans are often associated with young children who are color-blind as well. Children can be misdiagnosed with disabilities such as ADHD or dyslexia if they are color-blind. Your child may just have a lack of interest in activities revolving around color due to their inability to see them. Likewise, your child may be unable to read the words and assignment in a book due to the heavy use of colors they can’t see on the pages.  

What To Do If You Think Your Child Is Color Blind  

If you are unsure about your child’s color vision, the best recommendation is to see an optometrist. Be sure to specifically request a color-blind test, as some professionals may skip this test during a routine check-up unless there is a specific reason to test for it, such as if color blindness runs in your family.  

The Ishihara test uses circular patterns made up of various colored dots with a number in the center that’s also made up of colored dots. Your child will identify the numbers to indicate whether they have a color deficiency, and if so, what type.  

Your Child Is Color Blind—Now What?  

While there is no treatment for colorblindness, you can help your child manage their deficiency better. For the most part, colorblindness won’t disrupt your child’s too much, but during their younger years, a large portion of school curriculum may depend on color. Speak with their teachers about labeling classroom supplies and altering complicated, color-heavy lessons for more inclusive learning. Putting labels around the house can be a big help as well.  

The most important thing to remember is to make your child feel comfortable. Do not treat your child’s vision deficiency as a disability. Help them understand their deficiency and assist them when needed. Consider purchasing color-correcting glasses or color-blind sunglasses, as well. This can be another way to assist your child with their deficiency, as it gives them opportunities to see and understand colors as others do.