People have been testing out their eyesight on TikTok lately in a viral ‘Colour Sense Challenge’ – but does it really work?
The Colour Sense Challenge filter gets participants to look at squares on their screen and identify which square has an odd shade. You have just a few seconds to see if you can get it right. Those who beat all six levels apparently have no colour blindness, while those who fail some or all may be colour blind, it suggests. People have dubbed level 7, 8, and 9 of the challenge as “ridiculous” and say “all the colour look the same”.
The challenge has left thousands of people concerned about their eye sight and self diagnosing themselves. Around three million people in the UK are colour blind – enough to fill Wembley Stadium more than 30 times. According to the NHS: “There’s no treatment for colour vision deficiency that runs in families, but people usually adapt to living with it.”
An optometrist has commented on whether you can rely on the results from the TikTok challenge to work out if you have any colour blindness.
Malcolm Maciver, optometrist at Leightons Opticians: While it’s possible that the TikTok tests can provide insights on the matter, it should be used as a preliminary indication and people should seek professional evaluation for a definitive diagnosis. While online tests can give a general idea, they are not a substitute for professional diagnosis. Consultation with an optician is essential for an accurate assessment of colour vision deficiency.”
The eye doctor also pointed out the luminance of using a phone screen for a test can effect natural lighting. He added: “The accuracy of an test depends heavily on the colour accuracy of the screen display.
“Monitors, smartphones and tablets can display colours very differently. If the colours are not displayed correctly, the results may be inaccurate. Ambient lighting can also affect how colours appear on a screen. It’s best to take the test in consistent, well-lit conditions to avoid discrepancies.”
Malcolm suggests to use a reliable source if you see the signs in the TikTok video and interpret your results with caution. He also suggests to check display settings and make sure your device’s display is properly calibrated for colour accuracy by ensuring your screen brightness is set to a comfortable level for accurate colour perception.
“If you have serious concerns about your colour vision, it is still best to seek professional advice,” he added. Also if you have concerns about your eye health see your GP or visit the NHS website for more information.
Have you tried the TikTok challenge? Comment below.