What it is
Color blindness, often called color vision deficiency, means the eyes perceive some colors differently than most people do. Most people with it aren't unable to see color at all. They have trouble telling certain colors apart, such as reds and greens or blues and yellows.
Color vision deficiency is usually grouped by type. Protan and deutan types generally affect the red-green range, and tritan types affect the blue-yellow range. Severity can run from mild to more pronounced, and two people with the same type may notice very different things in daily life.
Many people are born with it, and it is generally more common in men. Others develop changes in color vision later because of an eye condition, a health issue or a medication. This is one reason a proper evaluation matters for adults who notice a change.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Color vision has traditionally been checked in an eye care setting. Common tools include pseudoisochromatic plates, which are the dotted-number charts many people remember, along with arrangement tests where you put colored caps or chips in order.
Some clinics also use a device called an anomaloscope, which can help distinguish type and severity in more detail. Which tests are used depends on the provider, the purpose of the testing and what you're trying to learn.
Day-to-day, many people with color vision deficiency adapt with labeling, phone apps, lighting choices and help from others. Some also try color-enhancing filter glasses or contact lenses. These 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 they may not help everyone. They are regulated as medical devices or consumer products depending on how they're marketed, so it's fair to ask a provider about their status.
How the right doctor may help
A comprehensive color vision evaluation may start with a conversation about your history. Expect questions about when you first noticed trouble with colors, whether anyone in your family has it, your health and medications, and any changes in your vision. The provider may then run one or more tests, often in a quiet room with controlled lighting.
The right provider may help you learn whether you have a color vision deficiency, which type it appears to be, and how mild or significant it may be. If your color vision seems to have changed over time, a provider may also look at whether an eye or health factor could be involved. That is a decision for a licensed clinician after an evaluation.
Good questions to bring: Which tests are you using, and what do they show? What type and severity do my results suggest? Could this be inherited or acquired? Do my results matter for my job or licensing? Would color-enhancing glasses or lenses be reasonable to try, and what are their limits for my type? Is a follow-up recommended?
The whole-person view
Body, mind and stress affect each other, and that includes how we feel about seeing the world differently. Some adults feel relief at finally having an answer. Others feel frustrated, embarrassed or worried about work, driving or relationships. Tiredness, stress and general health can also affect how people notice and cope with everyday challenges.
If the emotions around a diagnosis feel heavy, support is available. Somatic Experiences offers body-based support, and Therapists.plus connects people with talk therapy. These are options some people find helpful alongside the guidance of their eye care provider, never a replacement for it.
Keep in mind
- Color blind glasses and color-enhancing lenses do not cure color blindness or restore normal color vision, and results vary by type and severity.
- Online quizzes and screening apps are not a diagnosis. Only a licensed professional can evaluate your color vision and explain your results.
- Color vision requirements for aviation, military, law enforcement, commercial driving, electrical trades and maritime work vary by employer and authority and change over time. Confirm current requirements with the specific employer, licensing body or agency.
- If you notice sudden vision changes or other symptoms, licensed professionals should guide your care. For emergencies call 911, and in a crisis call or text 988.
Doctors who often help
Get matched privatelyFrequently asked questions
How do I know if I'm really color blind?
The most reliable way is a comprehensive color vision evaluation with a licensed provider. Online quizzes can hint that something is different, but they depend on your screen and lighting and can't give a diagnosis. A provider can use standardized tests to look at your type and severity.
Do 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 change how certain colors look, but results vary by type (protan, deutan or tritan) and severity. A provider can talk with you about whether they're worth trying.
Can color blind glasses work for every type of color blindness?
No, they don't work the same way for everyone. Effectiveness depends on your specific type and severity, and some people notice little or no difference. Getting a proper evaluation first helps you know what you're dealing with before you try any product.
What is the difference between protan, deutan and tritan?
These are the main types of color vision deficiency. Protan and deutan types generally affect red-green discrimination, while tritan types affect blue-yellow discrimination. A provider can help work out which type fits your results.
Can color blindness develop in adulthood?
Yes, color vision can change later in life. Some changes are linked to eye conditions, other health issues or certain medications. If you notice a change, it's wise to see a licensed provider for an evaluation instead of assuming it's inherited.
Will a color vision diagnosis affect my job?
It may for certain careers, but requirements vary by employer and licensing body and change over time. Fields such as aviation, military, law enforcement, commercial driving, electrical trades and maritime work often have their own standards. Check current requirements directly with the employer, agency or licensing authority.
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.