Color blindness, also called color vision deficiency, is the inability to see colors in the usual way. People with color blindness have trouble seeing red, green, blue, or mixtures of these colors. Color blindness can make some educational activities more difficult. It can also affect job performance and enjoyment of life.

Types of Colorblindness

There are three main types of colorblindness: red-green colorblindness, blue-yellow colorblindness, and complete color blindness. Each type can be further divided into different subtypes depending on the extent and severity of color vision impairment.

Achromatopsia

Red-green colorblindness, also known as achromatopsia or protanopia, is the most common form of color blindness. It affects around 8% of men and 0.5% of women worldwide. Individuals with this type of colorblindness typically have difficulty distinguishing between reds and greens, and may experience other symptoms such as poor night vision and sensitivity to bright light.

Tritanopia

Blue-yellow color blindness, also known as tritanopia, is much less common than red-green colorblindness. It affects around 0.3% of men and 0.007% of women worldwide. Individuals with this type of colorblindness typically have difficulty distinguishing between blues and yellows, and may experience other symptoms such as trouble differentiating between blue and yellow clothing.

Complete Color Blindness

Complete color blindness, also known as color anopia or monochromacy, is the rarest type of colorblindness. It affects around 0.001% of men and less than 0.00001% of women worldwide. Individuals with this condition can only see shades of gray and have difficulty discriminating between colors.

What Causes Color Blindness

There are many different causes, but the most common is an inherited genetic disorder. It can also be caused by certain diseases, such as diabetes or glaucoma, and by certain medications or toxins. It is also possible for color blindness to develop later in life, due to age-related changes in the eye or injury to the eye.

Color Blind Symptoms

Symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. In general, however, colorblindness can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks such as reading traffic lights or choosing matching clothes. Some colorblind individuals may also have difficulty with color-related occupations such as graphic design or interior decorating.

Treatments

There is currently no cure, but there are treatments that can help manage the condition. For example, special contact lenses and color filter glasses can help some colorblind individuals see colors more clearly. In addition, color vision training exercises may also help teach colorblind individuals how to better distinguish between colors. You can undergo cataract surgery which can restore bright color vision.

Color Vision Test

One way to test to see if you are color blind is through color vision tests, which involve looking at color patterns and identifying what colors are being used. These tests can be administered by an eye doctor or other medical professional.

Another way to test for color blindness is through the use of color Blindness Simulators. These simulators use different color filters to show how someone with color blindness might see a given image. This can help understand how colorblindness affects someone’s vision.

Schedule an Eye Exam With Us

Here at Optical Academy, we help you identify color blindness. If you think you are color blind contact us today for an eye exam. Call us at (973) 684-8400 to schedule an appointment with our optometrists and for any information. We help you see a beautiful day, everyday!