Color blindness: causes and treatments
Do you sometimes feel that you see colors differently than those around you? You might have a form of color blindness. There are several ways to test for it, with the most well-known being the Ishihara test.
Are you color blind? Take the test here!
Below is a shortened version of the Ishihara test. Look at each image and note the number you can see—or if you see nothing at all. Then compare your answers with the solutions at the bottom.
If you’re unsure whether you’re color blind, it’s best to schedule a comprehensive eye exam with an ophthalmologist or optician. Meanwhile, here’s some useful information about color blindness.
What is color blindness?
The term “color blindness” can be misleading—people with this condition can see colors, but they have difficulty distinguishing certain shades. There are different types and levels of severity. For example, those who are completely color blind see only shades of gray, but this is rare.
Did you know?
- The most common type of color blindness is difficulty distinguishing between red and green.
- Men are about 20 times more likely to be color blind than women.
- The medical term for color blindness is “daltonism.”
What causes color blindness?
Our eyes contain light-sensitive cells called rods and cones, which help us perceive light, darkness, and colors. When these cells don’t function properly, your eyes have trouble telling your brain what colors you’re seeing.
Congenital color blindness
Most color blindness is inherited and can be detected from an early age (as early as 4 years old). Since the genes responsible are on the X chromosome, men (with one X chromosome) are more frequently affected, while women (with two X chromosomes) are usually only color blind if both chromosomes carry the gene.
Other causes
Besides heredity, color blindness can also result from trauma (like an accident), poisoning, certain medications, or diseases such as diabetes.
Age-related color vision decline
As we age, our eyes gradually lose the ability to distinguish between shades, leading to mild color vision loss. Luckily, the brain compensates for this, so most people hardly notice the difference.
Can color blindness be treated?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for color blindness yet. However, some aids can help, such as special corrective glasses or contact lenses with color filters that adjust light frequencies or enhance contrast. Additionally, there are apps (like Red Stripe) that can help identify colors.
While there are no guaranteed “miracle cures,” consulting an eye care specialist can provide you with the best advice tailored to your needs.
Glazoo
At Glazoo, we don’t offer lenses with color filters, but you’re always welcome to find the perfect pair of other lenses with us.
Need advice on how we can help improve your vision?
We’re just a call or email away!
Ishihara test solutions:
- 12
- 8
- 5
- 6
- 5
- — (no number)
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