Most of us don’t think twice about colors. We just know the sky is blue, the grass is green, and stop signs are red. But for millions of people, these colors may appear completely different, or may not stand out at all. This is because of a condition called color blindness.
Have you ever wondered what the world looks like to someone who’s color blind? While most people see the world in vibrant, rich colors; those with color blindness experience it in a unique way. Let’s take a closer look at what color blindness is, the different types, and how it changes the way people see the world.
What is Color Blindness?
Color blindness doesn’t mean a person sees the world in black and white (that’s a common myth!). It simply means they have trouble telling certain colors apart. This happens when the color-detecting cells in the eyes, called cones, don’t work properly.
Our eyes have three types of cones:
1. Red cones
2. Green cones
3. Blue cones
Each of these picks up different wavelengths of light, helping us see millions of color combinations. When one or more of these cones doesn’t function right, that’s when color blindness occurs.
Types of Color Blindness
There are several types of color blindness, and they all affect color perception in different ways. Let’s break them down in a simple and visual way:
1. Red-Green Color Blindness (Most Common)
This is by far the most common type. Around 1 in 12 men (8%) and 1 in 200 women (0.5%) have it, because the gene responsible is carried on the X chromosome.
Protanopia (Red-Blindness)
Protanopia is a kind of color blindness where the red cones in the eyes don’t work. Because of this, people with protanopia have a hard time seeing red colors clearly.
To them, reds can look very dark and sometimes almost black. This makes it difficult to tell red apart from other colors like green or brown.
Everyday things like reading color-coded signs or choosing red fruits can be confusing, since the colors don’t appear the same as they do to others.
Protanomaly (Red-Weakness)
Protanomaly is a type of color blindness where the red cones in the eyes are present, but they don’t work the way they should.
Because of this, colors like red, orange, and yellow don’t look as bright as they normally would. Instead, they often appear more greenish and dull.
This can make it harder to notice or tell apart colors that have red tones in them, especially in everyday situations like looking at signs, traffic lights, or picking out clothes.
Deuteranopia (Green-Blindness)
Deuteranopia happens when the green cones in the eyes don’t work at all. This means the eye can’t pick up green colors properly.
As a result, green shades often look more like beige or brown. It becomes really hard to tell the difference between red and green because they look very similar.
This can make everyday things like reading colored maps, choosing clothes, or seeing traffic lights more challenging.
Deuteranomaly (Green-Weakness)
Deuteranomaly is a type of color blindness where the green cones in the eyes are there, but they don’t work as well as they should.
This makes it hard to tell the difference between red and green, especially in low light. The two colors can look very similar or even blend together.
It’s actually the most common kind of color blindness, affecting a large number of people around the world.
2. Blue-Yellow Color Blindness (Less Common)
This type is called Tritan Color Blindness. It affects both genders equally and is not inherited in the same way. It can develop over time due to aging or eye conditions.
Tritanopia (Blue-blind)
Tritanopia is a rare condition where the blue cones in the eyes are missing. This makes it difficult for someone with the condition to see the color blue clearly.
As a result, blue and green can look very similar and hard to tell apart.
Yellow, too, doesn’t appear the same. It might look more like a light grey or even a violet color instead of the bright yellow most people see.
Tritanomaly (Blue-weak)
Tritanomaly happens when the blue cones in the eyes are present but don’t work as well as they should.
This makes blue colors look more like green instead of their usual shade.
Yellow can also appear differently. It might look more like a pale pink or even gray instead of the bright yellow most people see.
3. Total Color Blindness (Very Rare)
This is also known as Achromatopsia and this is extremely rare and affects about 1 in 30,000 people.
Monochromacy (Achromatopsia)
Monochromacy is a condition where there are no functioning cones in the eyes, meaning the person cannot see any color.
Because of this, the world appears in shades of gray, without any colors at all.
People with monochromacy often have additional challenges, like being very sensitive to light and having poor vision.
Cone Monochromacy
Cone monochromacy is a condition where only one type of cone in the eyes works.
This means the person can see light and dark but has difficulty telling most colors apart. The world looks mostly in shades of one color, with little to no ability to distinguish between different hues.
How Does It Affect Daily Life?
Color blindness can make some everyday tasks more challenging, like:
- Choosing ripe fruit (red apples or green bananas)
- Reading maps or graphs that use color-coded information
- Picking matching clothes (red shirt and green pants may look fine together)
- Seeing warning signs (like red stop signs or red brake lights)
- Using electronics (some app interfaces use only colors to show changes)
- Playing video games (especially strategy or puzzle games with colored cues)
Many people find ways to adapt by using labels, apps, or special glasses like EnChroma, which help enhance color contrast.
What Causes Color Blindness?
Genetic (Inherited)
Color blindness is often passed down from parents, usually through the X chromosome.
It’s more common in men because they have only one X chromosome, while women have two. This makes it easier for men to inherit color blindness from their mothers.
Acquired (Develops Later)
Some people develop color blindness as they age because their eyes naturally lose sensitivity over time.
Other factors that can cause it include eye diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration, or cataracts.
Injuries to the eye or brain can also lead to changes in color vision.
Certain medications, such as those used for epilepsy or high blood pressure, can have side effects that affect color vision.
Exposure to harmful chemicals, like carbon disulfide or some fertilizers, can also cause damage to the eyes and lead to color blindness.
Can It Be Treated?
There’s no cure for genetic color blindness, but there are tools and aids that can help:
Color Blind Glasses
Brands like EnChroma and Pilestone offer special glasses that can enhance color contrast, making it easier to differentiate colors.
However, they don’t work for everyone, especially for those with blue-yellow color blindness.
Color ID Apps
There are apps like Color Grab or Chromatic that let users point their phone camera at an object to identify its color. These can be really helpful in everyday situations.
Assistive Technology
There are also software and browser extensions that make websites and designs more color-blind-friendly.
Many games and devices now include color-blind modes to make the experience more accessible.
Design Tip for Everyone
Even if you're not color blind, there are ways to make your designs more accessible to everyone:
- Use patterns, labels, or textures alongside colors, not just color alone.
- Add text descriptions for any color-coded information to ensure everyone can understand it.
- Make sure there’s high contrast, like dark text on light backgrounds, for easy readability.
- Avoid using red and green next to each other, as these can be hard to distinguish for color-blind users.
Final Thoughts
Color blindness may seem like a small issue, but for those living with it, it can change how they interact with the world every single day. From choosing clothes to understanding signals and visuals, the experience is different.
Understanding color blindness helps create a more inclusive and supportive environment for students, workers, designers, and everyday people. Whether you're color blind or simply aware of color differences, it's important to remember that not everyone sees the world the same way, but that doesn't make it any less beautiful.
FAQs
01: Can women be color blind too?
Yes, but it’s much rarer. About 1 in 200 women is color blind because women have two X chromosomes. They need both to carry the mutation to be affected.
02: Can color blindness get worse over time?
If it’s inherited, it usually stays the same. But if it’s acquired, it can progress depending on the cause (e.g., eye disease or damage).
03: Can children be tested for color blindness?
Absolutely! Color vision tests like the Ishihara plates (those dotted number circles) are often given in school or during eye exams starting at age 4 or 5.
04: Can color blind people drive?
Yes, they can! Color blind drivers learn to rely on the position and brightness of traffic lights rather than just color. Some countries may have specific vision requirements, but most allow it.
05: Are there jobs color blind people can't do?
Some careers (like pilot, electrician, or graphic designer) may require full color vision. But most jobs are completely accessible, especially with assistive tools.
06: What colors are hardest to see for a color blind person?
It depends on the type:
Red-green types struggle most with reds, greens, browns, and oranges.
Blue-yellow types have trouble with blues, greens, and some purples.
07: How can I check if I'm color blind?
You can take a test online (like the Ishihara test) and visit an optometrist for a professional diagnosis.