- Medically Reviewed by Mr Mfazo Hove Consultant Ophthalmologist
- Author: Chris Dunnington
- Published: March 2, 2025
At Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic on London’s prestigious Harley Street, we often encounter patients with various eye conditions, including colour blindness. This guide will explore what colour blindness is, its causes, symptoms, and the available treatment options.
Understanding Colour Blindness
Colour blindness, also known as colour vision deficiency, is a condition where an individual has difficulty distinguishing between certain colours. Contrary to popular belief, most people with colour blindness can see colours, but they perceive them differently than those with normal colour vision.
What Causes Colour Blindness?
Colour blindness is typically a genetic condition, inherited through genes passed down from parents. However, it can also be acquired due to various factors:
- Genetic inheritance: The most common cause, particularly for red-green colour blindness.
- Eye disorders: Conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration can affect colour perception.
- Brain or nerve damage: Injuries to areas of the brain responsible for processing colour can lead to colour blindness.
- Certain medications: Some drugs can affect colour vision as a side effect.
- Ageing: Natural ageing processes can gradually diminish colour perception.
Colour Blindness Types
There are several types of colour blindness, each affecting colour perception differently:
- Red-Green Colour Blindness: The most common type, including:
- Deuteranomaly: Reduced sensitivity to green light
- Protanomaly: Reduced sensitivity to red light
- Deuteranopia: Inability to perceive green light
- Protanopia: Inability to perceive red light
- Blue-Yellow Colour Blindness: Less common, including:
- Tritanomaly: Reduced sensitivity to blue light
- Tritanopia: Inability to perceive blue light
- Complete Colour Blindness: Very rare, where no colours can be perceived, only shades of grey.
Symptoms of Colour Blindness
The symptoms of colour blindness can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Common signs include:
- Difficulty distinguishing between certain colours, particularly reds and greens
- Seeing colours as duller than they appear to others
- Inability to tell the difference between shades of the same colour
- Trouble seeing colours in dim light
- Experiencing eye strain or headaches when trying to distinguish colours
It’s important to note that many people with mild colour blindness may not realise they have the condition, as they’ve learned to adapt to their way of seeing colours.
Diagnosing Colour Blindness
At Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic in London, we use various methods to diagnose colour blindness:
Ishihara Colour Blind Test
The Ishihara Colour Blind Test is the most common and widely used method for diagnosing colour vision deficiencies. It consists of a series of coloured plates with numbers or patterns embedded within them. Those with normal colour vision can easily see the numbers, while those with colour blindness may struggle or see different numbers.
Try our free online Ishihara Colour Blind Test: Blue Fin Vision® Online Colour Blindness Test
Other Diagnostic Tools
- Anomaloscope: A more precise instrument that measures the exact nature and degree of colour vision deficiency.
- Colour arrangement tests: These involve arranging coloured objects in a specific order, helping to determine the type and severity of colour blindness.
Treatment Options for Colour Blindness
While there is currently no cure for genetic colour blindness, there are several ways to manage the condition and improve colour perception:
Glasses for Colour Blindness
Special glasses and contact lenses have been developed to help individuals with colour blindness distinguish between colours more effectively. These include:
- EnChroma glasses: These use advanced optical technology to enhance colour perception for some individuals with red-green colour blindness.
- ColorLite lenses: Custom-made lenses that filter light in a way that can improve colour discrimination.
It’s important to note that while these glasses can be helpful for many people, they don’t work for everyone and don’t cure colour blindness.
Adaptive Techniques and Technology
- Colour-coded systems: Using patterns or symbols in addition to colours can help in distinguishing between items.
- Smartphone apps: Various apps can help identify colours in real-time using the phone’s camera.
- Computer software: Programs that can adjust on-screen colours to make them more distinguishable.
Treatment for Acquired Colour Blindness
If colour blindness is caused by an underlying health condition or medication, treating the root cause may improve colour vision. This could involve:
- Cataract surgery
- Managing glaucoma or other eye conditions
- Adjusting medications under medical supervision
Living with Colour Blindness
While colour blindness can present challenges, most people with the condition lead normal lives with few limitations. However, it may affect career choices in fields where colour discrimination is crucial, such as graphic design or electrical work.
At Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic, we provide comprehensive support and advice for individuals living with colour blindness. Our expert team can help you understand your condition and explore the best management options for your specific needs.
Conclusion
Colour blindness, while not curable in its genetic form, is a manageable condition. With proper diagnosis and management strategies, individuals with colour vision deficiencies can navigate their daily lives effectively. If you suspect you may have colour blindness or are experiencing changes in your colour perception, don’t hesitate to contact Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic in London.
Our team of experienced ophthalmologists on Harley Street is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and manage colour vision deficiencies. We’re committed to providing personalised care and support to help you understand and adapt to your unique way of seeing the world.
Remember, your vision is precious. Trust the experts at Blue Fin Vision® to provide comprehensive, compassionate care for all your eye health needs, including the diagnosis and management of colour blindness.
