Color Blindness

What is Color Blindness? 

Color blindness, also known as color vision deficiency, is a condition where an individual perceives colors differently than most people. This usually happens when the cones (nerve cells in your eyes that detect colors) are either missing or not functioning correctly. The most common type of color blindness makes it hard to distinguish between certain colors, typically reds and greens, and occasionally blues. 

Types of Color Vision Deficiency 

There are several types of color vision deficiencies, each associated with the malfunctioning of different types of cones. The most common type is red-green color vision deficiency, which includes four subtypes: deuteranomaly, protanomaly, protanopia, and deuteranopia. Another less common type is blue-yellow color vision deficiency, which includes tritanomaly and tritanopia. In rare cases, individuals may have complete color vision deficiency, also known as monochromacy or achromatopsia, where they do not see color at all. 

Symptoms of Color Vision Deficiency 

The primary symptom of color vision deficiency is not seeing colors the way most people do. Individuals with this condition may have trouble distinguishing between colors, perceiving the brightness of colors, or identifying different shades of colors. These symptoms can often be so mild that they are hard to notice, which is why many people with color vision deficiency do not know they have it. In severe cases, individuals might experience other symptoms like quick side-to-side eye movements (nystagmus) or sensitivity to light. 

Am I at Risk for Color Vision Deficiency? 

Men have a much higher risk than women for color vision deficiency. You are also more likely to have color vision deficiency if you have a family history of the condition, certain eye diseases, health problems like diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, or multiple sclerosis (MS), or if you take certain medicines. 

Causes of Color Vision Deficiency 

The most common cause of color vision deficiency is genetics, meaning it is passed down from parents to their children. If your color vision deficiency is genetic, your color vision will not get any better or worse over time. However, color vision deficiency can also occur later in life if you have a disease or injury that affects your eyes or brain. Certain eye diseases like glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration (AMD), brain and nervous system diseases like Alzheimer’s or multiple sclerosis (MS), some medicines, and eye or brain injuries can cause color vision deficiency. 

How Can I Find Out If I Have Color Vision Deficiency? 

If you suspect you may have color vision deficiency, you should talk with your eye doctor about getting it checked. Your eye doctor can diagnose color vision deficiency using a test called the color plate test. If the results are not clear, your eye doctor may do other tests9. 

What is the Treatment for Color Vision Deficiency? 

There are no treatments for most types of color vision difficulties unless the color vision problem is related to the use of certain medicines or eye conditions. Discontinuing the medication causing your vision problem or treating the underlying eye disease may result in better color vision. However, special glasses and contact lenses can help people see differences between colors. It is important to note that while these aids can enhance color perception, they will not improve the ability to see all colors.