Ishihara 24 Plate Instructions I
Ishihara 24 Plate Instructions I
Ishihara 24 Plate Instructions I
The Series of Plates Designed as a Test for Color Deficiency SHINOBU ISHIHARA M.D., Dr.Med. Sc. Professor Emeritus of the University of Tokyo Member of the Japan Academy 24 Plates Edition KANEHARA TRADING INC. TOKYO JAPAN
Introduction
This series of plates is designed to provide a test which gives a quick and accurate assessment of color vision deficiency of congenital origin. This is the commonest form of color vision disturbances. Most cases of congenital color vision deficiency are characterized by a red-green deficiency which may be of two types; first, a protan type which may be complete (protanopia) or partial (protanomalia), and, secondly, a deutan type which may be complete (deuteranopia) or partial (duteranomalia). In protanopia the visible range of the spectrum is shorter at the end compared with that of the normal, and that part of the spectrum which appears to the normal as blue-green, appears to those with protanopia as grey. The whole visible range of the spectrum in protanopia consists of two areas which are separated from each other by this grey part. Each area appears to those with protanopia as one system of color with different brightness and saturation within each area, the color in one area being different from that of the other. The red with a slight tinge of purple which is the complementary color of blue-green appears also as grey. In deuteranopia, that part of the spectrum which appears to the normal as green, appears as grey, and the visible range of the spectrum is divided by this zone into two areas, each of which appears to be of one system of color. The visible range of the spectrum is not contracted, in contrast to protanopia. Purplered which is the complementary color of green appears also as grey. In protanomalia and deuteranomalia, there is not part of the spectrum which appears grey. But the part of spectrum which appears to those with protanopia as grey, appears to those with protanomalia as a grayish indistinct color, and likewise, the grey part of the spectrum seen by the person with deuteranopia appears to those with deuteranomalia as a indistinct color close to grey. Consequently, one of the peculiarities of red-green deficiencies is that blue and yellow colors appear to be remarkably clear compared with red and green colors. The application of this peculiarity to the test for color vision deficiencies is the distinguishing feature of this series. In the congenital color vision deficiencies, although very rare, there is total color weakness. The color sensitivity of the total color weakness to red and green, as well as to yellow and blue is very low and only the clear colors can be perceived; but, except for the color sensitivity, there is no abnormality in the visual functions. The plates in this book form an easy method of establishing the diagnosis on such cases and in distinguishing them from cases of red-green deficiencies. There is also a very rare group of persons who suffer from total color blindness and show a complete failure to discriminate any color variations, usually with an associated impairment of central vision with photophobia and nystagmus. Furthermore, a failure in the appreciation of blue and yellow may be termed tyritanomalia if partial, and tritanopia if complete, but, even if such cases do exist, they are extremely rare. The plates in this book are not designed for the diagnosis of such cases.
The correct position of each plate is indicated by the number which is printed on the back of the plate. The numerals which are seen on plates 1-17 are stated, and each answer should be given without more than three seconds delay. If the subject is unable to read numerals, plates 18-24 are used and the winding lines between the two Xs are traced with the brush. Each tracing should be completed within ten seconds. It is not necessary in all cases to use the whole series of plates. Plates 16 and 17 may be omitted if the test is designed merely to separate the color defectives from those with normal color appreciation. In a large scale examination the test may be simplified to an examination of six plates only; No 1, one of the Nos 2, 3, one of Nos 4, 5, 6, 7, one of Nos 8, 9, one of Nos 10, 11, 12. 13 and one of Nos 14, 15. It may be necessary to vary the order of the plates if it is suspected that there is a deliberate decetion on the part of the subject.
Normal Person
12 8 29 5 3 15 74 6 45 5 7 16 73 X X
Person with Red-Green Deficiencies Person with Total Color Blindness and Weakness 12 3 70 2 5 17 21 X X X X X X 5 45 12 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Protan Deutan
Strong Mild Strong Mild
16 26 6 (2) 6 2 2 (6) 17 42 2 (4) 2 4 4 (2) The mark X shows that the plate cannot be read. Blank spce denotes that the reading is indefinite. The numerals in parenthesis show that they can be read but they are comparatively unclear.