What it is
Color blindness, often called color vision deficiency, means the eyes and brain have trouble telling certain colors apart. It rarely means seeing only in black and white. Most people with it can see color, but some shades, such as reds and greens or blues and yellows, may look alike.
Many cases are inherited, meaning present from birth. The genes involved affect the light-sensing cells in the retina called cones. Inherited color blindness is more common in men and usually stays about the same throughout life. Types are often described as protan (red-related), deutan (green-related) or tritan (blue-related).
Color vision can also change later. This is called acquired color vision deficiency. It can be linked to eye conditions, certain health conditions such as diabetes, natural aging of the eye, some medications, or exposure to certain chemicals. Because a new change can have many possible explanations, it is worth discussing with a doctor.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Inherited color blindness has traditionally been identified through color vision testing during an eye exam. These tests often use patterns of dots or arranged colored caps, and they help show which type and how significant the difference is.
Acquired changes have traditionally been looked at as part of a broader eye and health review. An eye doctor may check the retina, the optic nerve, the clarity of the lens, and ask about health history and current medications.
Many people with inherited color blindness adapt using everyday strategies, such as labels, apps, organized clothing, or asking for help. Color-enhancing filter glasses and contact lenses exist, but they do not cure color blindness and do not restore normal color vision. How well they work varies with a person's specific type (protan, deutan or tritan) and severity, and some people notice little difference. Whether they are appropriate is a decision for a licensed clinician.
How the right doctor may help
The right doctor, such as an optometrist or ophthalmologist, may help you learn whether your color vision difference is inherited or acquired, and which type you may have. A visit generally includes a conversation about your history, a color vision test, and an eye health exam.
If you have noticed a change, it can help to jot down when you first noticed it, whether it affects one eye or both, and whether it came with other changes like blurry vision, pain, or vision loss. Also bring a list of your medications and any health conditions, including diabetes.
Good questions to ask include: What type and severity do I have? Could a health condition or medication be involved? Should I be rechecked over time? Are filter glasses or lenses worth discussing for my type, given they do not cure color blindness? What do my job or school requirements say? A provider can answer these after an evaluation, and Providers.plus lists licensed providers to explore.
The whole-person view
Body, mind and stress are connected, and vision is part of that picture. Learning that your color vision is different, or that it has changed, can bring up worry, frustration or relief. Fatigue, stress and overall health can also affect how comfortable you feel with daily visual tasks.
Some people find that body-based support, such as the approaches offered through Somatic Experiences, helps them feel more settled while navigating health concerns. Others value talking things through with a counselor, and Therapists.plus connects people with talk therapy. These are optional supports that can sit alongside care from your doctor.
Keep in mind
- Educational only, not medical advice. A licensed professional should guide any evaluation or care.
- A sudden or new change in color vision, especially with pain, vision loss, or other symptoms, should be checked promptly by a doctor. For emergencies call 911; in a crisis call or text 988.
- Never stop or change a medication on your own because of a vision concern. Talk with your prescriber or doctor first.
- Career and licensing color vision standards (such as aviation, military, law enforcement, commercial driving, electrical trades and maritime) vary and change over time. Confirm current requirements with the specific employer, licensing body or agency.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the main causes of color blindness?
The most common cause of color blindness is inherited genes that affect the color-sensing cones in the retina. It can also be acquired later because of eye disease, certain health conditions, aging, some medications, or chemical exposure. A doctor can help work out which applies to you.
Can you become color blind later in life?
Yes, color vision can change later in life, which is called acquired color vision deficiency. Possible reasons include eye conditions, health conditions, natural aging of the eye, and some medications. Any new change is worth discussing with a licensed eye doctor.
Is there a link between color blindness and diabetes?
Diabetes can affect the small blood vessels and tissues of the eye, and some people with it notice changes in how they see color. Not everyone does, and many other things can also cause a change. Regular eye exams and conversations with your doctor are the way to learn what applies to you.
Does color blindness get worse with aging?
Inherited color blindness generally stays about the same, but the eye changes naturally with age. For example, the lens can yellow or become cloudy, which may make colors look less vivid or harder to tell apart. An eye doctor can help tell age-related changes from other causes.
Can medications affect color vision?
Yes, some medications have been associated with changes in color vision as a possible side effect. Whether this applies to you depends on your medicine and your health. Do not stop or change anything on your own; ask your prescriber or pharmacist and mention any changes to your eye doctor.
Can color blind glasses cure color blindness?
No. Color blind glasses, meaning color-enhancing filter glasses, do not cure color blindness and do not restore normal color vision. Some people find they make certain colors easier to tell apart, but results vary by the person's type (protan, deutan or tritan) and severity. A licensed clinician can help you decide whether they are worth discussing.
Educational resource. Colorblind Glasses shares general information and connects people with independent doctors. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a licensed professional about your health.