Understanding the Different Types of Color Blindness
Color blindness, also known as color vision deficiency, is a condition in which you cannot perceive colors the way most people do.[1]Most people are capable of perceiving a million different hues and colors. This is because our eyes have three types of cones (photoreceptors) that deliver color signals to our brain. However, some people have a defective cone or just two cones, resulting in a significant reduction in color vision. This results in a prevalent eye disorder known as color blindness. [2]
Many do not realise there are different types of color blindness. [3] But color blindness manifests itself in a variety of ways, from mild to severe. Many people are unaware that they have a color deficiency since their symptoms are so subtle. Understanding what causes color blindness and knowing the different types will help you notice the symptoms early.
So, let’s discuss the different types of color blindness in detail:
1. Red-Green Color Blindness [3]
This is the most common color blindness type, which makes distinguishing between red and green difficult. Red-green color blindness is divided into the following:
- The most prevalent type of red-green color blindness is deuteranomaly. It intensifies the redness of green. This type is mild and normally does not interfere with daily activities.
- Protanomaly causes red to appear greener and less vibrant. This type is usually mild and does not interfere with daily activities.
- Both protanopia and deuteranopia make it impossible to distinguish between red and green.
As it is the most common color blindness, people are more aware of this as compared to the other types. If you suspect that you are facing problems detecting specific colors, your eye doctor will do types of color blindness test to determine how you see different hues.
2. Blue-Yellow Color Blindness [3]
This less prevalent type of color blindness makes distinguishing between blue and green, as well as yellow and red, difficult. Blue-yellow color blindness is divided into two categories:
- Tritanomaly - Tritanomaly makes distinguishing between blue and green, as well as yellow and red, difficult.
- Tritanopia – You cannot distinguish the difference between blue and green, purple and red, or yellow and pink if you have tritanopia. Colors appear to be less vibrant.
3. Total Color Blindness [3]
You will not be able to perceive colors if you have total color blindness. Monochromacy is another name for this eye condition, which is not the most common color blindness. You may have problems seeing clearly and be more sensitive to light depending on the type, if you have total color blindness.
What Causes Color Blindness?
Color blindness is a condition that most people are born with. This is referred to as a congenital defect and is frequently passed down from mother to child. These problems are caused by a loss of cones in the retina, which might be partial or full. A majority of color vision issues that develop later in life are caused by disease, trauma, drug-induced toxicity, metabolic illness, or vascular disease. [1]
Who is at Risk for Color Blindness?
In general, women are at a lower risk for being born with colour vision deficiency than men. In fact, the risk is much greater for men since one out of every ten males suffers from some form of colour blindness. [1]
Other than this, if you fall under any of the following categories, your chances of acquiring the condition may be higher than another individual:[1]
- If you have certain eye diseases such as glaucoma or macular degeneration
- If you take certain medicines or have particular health problems like diabetes, Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease
- If you have a family history of colour blindness
Treatment for Color Blindness
Keep in mind that color blindness, for the most part, does not cause major problems. Color blindness tests by your eye doctor can help treat the condition appropriately. Although there is no cure for the condition, if it is causing you problems with daily activities, special glasses, contact lenses, and other visual aids can help you correct the condition. [1]
At Bausch and Lomb, you will find a variety of options to help you maintain the quality of your vision. Make sure you get the right prescription to get the best experience when making a purchase.
[1] https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-color-blindness
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK11059/
[3] https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/color-blindness/types-color-blindness
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