What it is
Total color blindness, often called achromatopsia, is a rare condition in which the eye's color-sensing cells do not work typically. People may see the world in shades of light and dark rather than in color. It is usually present from birth and is generally inherited.
It often comes with other visual features, such as strong sensitivity to bright light, reduced sharpness of vision, and involuntary eye movements. These can affect daily life at school, at work and outdoors. Experiences differ from person to person, and some people have an incomplete form with partial color perception.
This is different from the more common red-green types of color blindness (protan and deutan) or blue-yellow types (tritan). Only a licensed eye care professional can confirm which type a person has and how significant it is, after an evaluation.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Traditionally, care for total color blindness has focused on supporting daily vision rather than changing color perception. Eye care professionals commonly look at comfort in bright settings, clarity of vision and how a person manages tasks at school, work and home.
Approaches that have long been discussed include tinted or filtered lenses for light sensitivity, magnification and other low vision aids, and adjustments to lighting and screens. Educational and workplace accommodations are also a common part of the conversation.
Color-enhancing filter glasses and contact lenses are sometimes mentioned online. These do not cure color blindness and do not restore normal color vision, and how well they work, if at all, varies by a person's specific type and severity. In total color blindness, they are generally not expected to create color perception that isn't there. Research into other approaches is ongoing, and any such option would be a matter for a licensed clinician to discuss. Regulatory status can vary, so it is worth asking a provider about it.
How the right doctor may help
The right provider, such as an eye doctor or a low vision specialist, may help you understand your specific diagnosis and what it does and doesn't involve. A visit generally includes a history, questions about your daily routines and light sensitivity, and vision and color vision testing. The provider may also discuss whether further evaluation, such as genetic counseling, is worth considering.
Depending on your needs, a provider may talk with you about tools that could make daily life more comfortable, such as lens options for glare, magnification devices, or technology and lighting adjustments. Whether any of these is appropriate is for a licensed clinician to decide after an evaluation. No outcome can be promised.
Helpful questions to ask: What type and severity do I have? Which options could be relevant to me, and what are their limits? What is the regulatory status of any product you suggest? Are there school or workplace supports I could request? How often should my eyes be rechecked? Are there support communities you'd recommend?
The whole-person view
Vision, body and mind are closely connected. Living with constant glare, tiring eyes or the extra effort of navigating a color-based world can raise stress, and stress can in turn affect sleep, focus and overall comfort. Looking at the whole person, not just the eyes, can be helpful.
Some people find body-based support, such as the approaches offered through Somatic Experiences, useful for managing stress. Others value talking with someone through Therapists.plus about the emotions that can come with a lifelong vision difference. These are optional supports that can sit alongside care from an eye doctor, not replacements for it.
Keep in mind
- This page is educational only and is not medical advice; only a licensed clinician can diagnose or recommend anything for your situation.
- Color-enhancing glasses and contact lenses do not cure color blindness or restore normal color vision, and results vary by type and severity.
- Color vision requirements for careers such as aviation, military, law enforcement, commercial driving, electrical trades and maritime work vary by employer and authority and change over time, so confirm current rules with the specific employer or agency.
- For emergencies call 911; if you are in a crisis or feeling overwhelmed, call or text 988.
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Frequently asked questions
Can total color blindness be treated?
There is currently no known cure that restores typical color vision in total color blindness. However, a licensed eye doctor may help address related challenges, such as light sensitivity and reduced sharpness of vision, with supportive options. What is appropriate depends on your evaluation.
Can total color blindness be cured?
No cure is established for it at this time. Research continues, but you should ask a licensed provider about what is currently available and its regulatory status. Be cautious of any product that claims to fix or cure color blindness.
Do color blind glasses work for total color blindness?
Color blind glasses do not cure color blindness and do not restore normal color vision. Their effect varies by the person's type (protan, deutan or tritan) and severity, and they are generally not expected to create color perception in total color blindness. Some tinted lenses may help with glare, which an eye doctor can discuss with you.
Is total color blindness inherited?
Total color blindness is usually inherited and present from birth. Inheritance patterns vary, so a provider or genetic counselor can explain what it may mean for your family. Some other color vision problems can also be acquired later through eye conditions or other causes.
What kind of doctor should I see for total color blindness?
An eye care professional, such as an ophthalmologist or optometrist, is a common starting point. A low vision specialist may also help with daily-living tools and strategies. They can confirm your diagnosis and discuss options.
Can people with total color blindness drive or work in any career?
Many people with color vision differences work and drive, but requirements vary. Some careers and licenses have specific color vision standards that differ by employer and authority and change over time. Confirm current requirements with the specific employer, licensing body or agency.
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.