Color Vision Testing Has Evolved: Here’s How RCCT Works

Color vision testing has significantly advanced from the basic pass or fail charts used in the past. Today, we have access to more sophisticated tools that do much more than identify simple red and green deficiencies. One of the most groundbreaking developments is the RCCT, or Rabin Cone Contrast Test. This advanced method provides a detailed and measurable evaluation of how your eyes perceive color. It helps us detect both inherited color vision conditions and changes related to eye disease at an early stage.
 

What Is RCCT and How Is It Different?

Traditional color vision tests, like the Ishihara plates, focus on identifying red-green deficiencies and offer only pass/fail results. RCCT goes several steps further. It uses a refined approach that measures color vision function based on how well your eye’s cone cells are performing.
 

Your eyes rely on three types of cone cells to see color: one each for red, green, and blue light. RCCT individually evaluates how each of these cone types is functioning by displaying colors tailored to each cone type and gradually adjusting the intensity. This makes it possible to detect not only whether there’s a deficiency but also how severe it is.
 

Detecting More Than Just Hereditary Issues

RCCT is also equipped to detect acquired color vision loss, which can occur as a result of various eye diseases. Conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, and optic nerve disorders can gradually impair cone function. Because RCCT provides a quantifiable measure of cone performance, it enables us to catch these changes early - often before more obvious symptoms develop.
 

A Tool for Early Detection and Ongoing Monitoring

One of the most valuable aspects of RCCT is its ability to track changes over time. If you’re being treated for a condition like dry AMD, we can use RCCT to monitor whether the treatment is effectively preserving or improving cone function. This not only helps with diagnosis but also plays a vital role in managing disease progression.
 

RCCT has earned recognition as the gold standard in color vision testing, including endorsement by the U.S. Air Force Surgeon General. Its use of cone sensitivity threshold testing offers a reliable and objective way to evaluate color vision with clinical precision.
 

Take the Next Step in Advanced Eye Care

At Lum Optometry, we are proud to offer the most advanced technology to help protect and preserve your vision. The RCCT is not just a test, it’s a tool for proactive eye health. Whether you’ve noticed changes in how you perceive color or simply want a more thorough eye exam, we’re here to help.
 

Ready to take a deeper look at your color vision? Schedule a Rabin Cone Contrast Test with Dr. Lum at Lum Optometry. Visit our office in South San Francisco, California, or call (650) 589-7198 to book an appointment today.