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Color Blindness Videos

Table of Contents

People who are color blind see colors differently than other people. Color blindness usually refers to a color deficiency where it’s difficult to distinguish between different colors. True color blindness, when one can only see black and white, as the term connotes, is extremely rare. The most common type of color blindness in the inability to see the difference between shades of red or green. For example, people with red/green color deficiency will have a difficult time distinguishing between blue and purple because they can’t see the red element which is part of the purple hue.

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Color blindness is usually an inherited condition and is much more common in males than it is in females. Approximately five to 8% of men have color blindness while in women it’s only around half to 1%. We have certain light sensitive cells at the back of our eyes known as photoreceptors. There are two types of photoreceptors; rods and cones. The rods are responsible for helping us see in the dark while the cones are responsible for color vision and seeing in daylight. If someone is color blind there are certain deficiencies with the function of the cones.

If you think you have color blindness, please reach out to your nearest Amplify EyeCare practice either via a call or in-person visit. Our team of eye care professionals will be happy to check your ability to perceive colors. People who are color blind tend to adjust and don’t have issues with daily tasks and activities.

Symptoms

Symptoms

You may notice on your own that you’re getting confused between colors or the people around you may tell you that the color which you think you are seeing is actually wrong. If this sounds familiar to your experience then there’s a chance that you may have color blindness.

Color blindness does not usually manifest as only being able to see in black and white. There are different types of color blindness depending on which colors the person has difficulty with and also the amount of colors that are deficient. Usually people with this condition can’t distinguish between certain colors such as red and green. In addition, colors appear to be washed out and are hard to differentiate.

Color blindness can also develop over time or suddenly, as opposed to being a condition from birth. Acquired color blindness could be caused due to:

  • An optic nerve disease - the optic nerve connects the back of the eye to the brain
  • A stroke inside the eye which occurs due to blocked arteries of the eye
  • Eye diseases such as cataract or macular degeneration
  • Some medications
  • Various toxic chemicals

There’s no way to prevent or treat color blindness from birth, but the good news is that it’s almost always considered to be a mild condition and it should not affect your day to day functionality. There are special glasses or contact lenses that can help with color blindness. If a person was not born with color blindness but acquired it over time then your eye doctor will treat the underlying cause.

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Common Questions

There are many different types of color blindness, depending on which specific colors and the amount of colors cannot be perceived properly. The main categories are Deuteranomaly - reduced sensitivity to green light; this is the most common type, Protanomaly - reduced sensitivity to red light, and Tritanomaly - reduced sensitivity to blue light; this is very rare
Both yes and no. Typically, males with genetic color blindness, which is estimated to be 8% of all males, cannot have color blindness in only one eye. It is possible, however, that a genetic or acquired disorder of the optic nerve and/or macula can decrease the color vision in one eye.
Color blindness often manifests as difficulty distinguishing between specific colors or shades. While online tests might give you an idea, a proper diagnosis requires seeing an optometrist. During a comprehensive eye exam, they'll use specialized tests to assess your color vision and determine the type and severity of any color blindness.
Unfortunately, there's no cure for color blindness, as it's usually a genetic condition. An optometrist can provide tools like color-filtering lenses or apps that might help you distinguish colors better, but these don't "fix" the underlying issue.
Color vision requirements vary for different aviation roles and jurisdictions. Some forms of color blindness may disqualify you from certain flying duties. An optometrist can perform a comprehensive eye exam to determine your specific color vision capabilities, and you should consult with aviation authorities to understand the requirements for the role you're interested in.
Color blindness is most commonly a recessive X-linked disorder. Men are more likely to be color blind as they have only one X chromosome, so if it carries the defect, they'll express the trait. Women, having two X chromosomes, must inherit the defective gene from both parents to express the trait.
Color Blindness
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Summary

Color blindness occurs when a person doesn’t see colors like most people do. It doesn’t usually affect daily functionality as most people with this condition adapt. If you think you have color blindness, as mentioned above, you can reach out to your nearest Amplify EyeCare practice either via a call or in-person visit. Our team of eye care professionals is ready and equipped to provide you with the care you need.

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