Color Blindness Symptoms

Color blindness is a genetic disorder wherein a person cannot distinguish between some of the colors. It is an inherited disorder, i.e., it is passed from one generation to the other. It is not a serious disorder and is also extremely rare. Peculiarly, it is also found that the percentage of color blindness in women is less than that in men. Color blindness can be differentiated into two major types; total color blindness and partial color blindness. Similarly, among the several types of color blindness, the most common type is the inability to differentiate between red and green colors.

Color Blindness Causes
In most of the cases, it is found that color blindness is inherited. We are able to differentiate between colors because of the presence of cones in our eyes. There are three types of cones in the eyes which sense different colors. Sometimes, one of the cone is absent or does not function properly, which makes the person color blind. These defects are present at the time of the birth and hence, cannot be treated or reversed. On the other hand, sometimes, a person can even have color blindness due to an injury or eye problem or as a result of aging. In rare cases, this disorder can also be caused due to side effects of certain drugs and medications.

Symptoms of Color Blindness
As mentioned above, the symptoms vary according to the type of color blindness. In case of partial color blindness, the person may not be able to distinguish between the red and green colors, or the blue and yellow colors. Sometimes, in less severe cases, the person is simply not able to see or differentiate between the shades of any particular color. On the other hand, people suffering from total color blindness may not be able to see any colors except black, white and gray. Not being able to see the brightness of colors is also one of the important color blindness symptoms.

Treatment for Color Blindness
As color blindness is not detected during babyhood, it is difficult to diagnose the disease at a very early age. There are several tests available for checking color vision. The pseudoisochromatic test is the most popular test used to diagnose this condition. The Ishihara test and eye examinations can also help in the diagnosis of acquired and inherited color blindness. There is no treatment or cure for inherited color blindness as it is a congenital defect. On the other hand, acquired color blindness can be treated by surgery or by wearing corrective glasses. The treatment also includes surgery or discontinuation of the medications and drugs that cause the condition. It is also observed that, sometimes, acquired color blindness lasts only for some time and can be treated completely. On the other hand, inherited and total color blindness lasts for a lifetime or can even worsen with time.

There are no preventive measure for color blindness as it cannot be prevented. But, there are no severe complication related to it either. People suffering from color blindness cannot qualify to be a surgeon or a pilot; and they may even be not allowed to drive vehicles, but, other than these things, they live a relatively normal life. Lastly, it is advisable for children and young adults to undergo eye examinations and tests if they observe any of the color blindness symptoms. If it is an acquired disease, it may be beneficial to get it diagnosed earlier to get it treated completely.