Colourdeficiency

Colourdeficiency, commonly known as colour blindness, is a condition that affects a person's ability to see colours accurately. It is not a true blindness, but rather a reduced ability to distinguish between certain colours. The most common form is red-green colour deficiency, where individuals have difficulty differentiating between red and green hues. Other, less common types include blue-yellow colour deficiency and achromatopsia, a very rare condition where a person sees only shades of grey.

The most frequent cause of colour deficiency is genetic, being inherited from parents. It is much more prevalent in males than females. Other causes can include aging, certain diseases such as diabetes, glaucoma, or macular degeneration, and exposure to certain medications or chemicals.

Diagnosis is typically made through a series of coloured charts, the most well-known being the Ishihara test. Treatment for inherited colour deficiency is not available. However, in cases where colour deficiency is caused by an underlying medical condition or medication, addressing that specific issue may sometimes improve colour vision. For those with congenital colour deficiency, adaptive strategies and specialized tools can help individuals navigate daily life. These might include using apps that identify colours or wearing tinted lenses that can enhance contrast between certain shades. While it can present challenges, most people with colour deficiency lead full and productive lives.