By
David Turbert
Reviewed By Odalys Mendoza MD
Dec. 09, 2021
Color blindness occurs when you are unable to see colors in a normal way. It is also known
as color deficiency. Color blindness often happens when someone cannot distinguish
between certain colors. This usually happens between greens and reds, and occasionally
blues.
In the retina, there are two types of cells that detect light. They are called rods and cones.
Rods detect only light and dark and are very sensitive to low light levels. Cone cells detect
color and are concentrated near the center of your vision. There are three types of cones
that see color: red, green and blue. The brain uses input from these cone cells to determine
our color perception.
Color blindness can happen when one or more of the color cone cells are absent, not
working, or detect a different color than normal. Severe color blindness occurs when all
three cone cells are absent. Mild color blindness happens when all three cone cells are
present but one cone cell does not work right. It detects a different color than normal.
There are different degrees of color blindness. Some people with mild color deficiencies can
see colors normally in good light but have difficulty in dim light. Others cannot distinguish
certain colors in any light. The most severe form of color blindness, in which everything is
seen in shades of gray, is uncommon. Color blindness usually affects both eyes equally and
remains stable throughout life.
Color blindness is usually something that you have from birth but you can also get it later in
life. Change in color vision can signify a more serious condition. Anyone who experiences a
significant change in color perception should see an ophthalmologist.
By David Turbert
Reviewed By Odalys Mendoza MD
Dec. 09, 2021
Color blindness occurs when you are unable to see colors in a normal way. It is also known
as color deficiency. Color blindness often happens when someone cannot distinguish
between certain colors. This usually happens between greens and reds, and occasionally
blues.
In the retina, there are two types of cells that detect light. They are called rods and cones.
Rods detect only light and dark and are very sensitive to low light levels. Cone cells detect
color and are concentrated near the center of your vision. There are three types of cones
that see color: red, green and blue. The brain uses input from these cone cells to determine
our color perception.
Color blindness can happen when one or more of the color cone cells are absent, not
working, or detect a different color than normal. Severe color blindness occurs when all
three cone cells are absent. Mild color blindness happens when all three cone cells are
present but one cone cell does not work right. It detects a different color than normal.
There are different degrees of color blindness. Some people with mild color deficiencies can
see colors normally in good light but have difficulty in dim light. Others cannot distinguish
certain colors in any light. The most severe form of color blindness, in which everything is
seen in shades of gray, is uncommon. Color blindness usually affects both eyes equally and
remains stable throughout life.
Color blindness is usually something that you have from birth but you can also get it later in
life. Change in color vision can signify a more serious condition. Anyone who experiences a
significant change in color perception should see an ophthalmologist.
