What causes colour blindness?
Colour blindness is usually inherited, and it is more prevalent in males than females. The condition results from a genetic mutation that affects the photopigments in the eye's cone cells, which are responsible for color vision. Acquired colour blindness can also occur due to certain medical conditions, medications, or eye injuries.
While colour blindness is typically a lifelong condition, it does not usually cause significant impairment in daily activities.
Types of colour blindness
The most common type of colour blindness is red-green colour blindness, which includes two main subtypes:
Protanopia
People with protanopia lack the ability to perceive red light. Reds may appear more like dark brown or black, and some shades of orange, yellow, and green may be challenging to differentiate.
Deuteranopia
Individuals with deuteranopia have difficulty perceiving green light. They may see greens as browns or grays, and reds may appear more like brown or dark orange.
Less common types of color blindness include:
Protanopia
People with protanopia lack the ability to perceive red light. Reds may appear more like dark brown or black, and some shades of orange, yellow, and green may be challenging to differentiate.
Deuteranopia
Individuals with deuteranopia have difficulty perceiving green light. They may see greens as browns or grays, and reds may appear more like brown or dark orange.
Less common types of color blindness include:
Tritanopia
This type affects the perception of blue and yellow colours.
Monochromacy
People with monochromacy, or total colour blindness, see the world in shades of gray. They have difficulty distinguishing between any colours.
This type affects the perception of blue and yellow colours.
Monochromacy
People with monochromacy, or total colour blindness, see the world in shades of gray. They have difficulty distinguishing between any colours.
There is currently no cure for inherited colour blindness, but assistive technologies and tools are available to help individuals adapt to their visual challenges.
