What it is
Inherited color blindness, also called congenital color vision deficiency, is present from birth. It is more common in men and usually stays fairly stable throughout life. It is typically described by type: protan (red-related), deutan (green-related) or tritan (blue-yellow-related), and by severity from mild to more significant.
Separate from that, color vision can change with age. The eye's lens naturally becomes more yellow or cloudy over time, and the retina and optic nerve can change as well. Some people notice that colors look less vivid, that similar shades are harder to tell apart, or that blues and purples seem muddier.
Color changes that begin later in life are called acquired color vision changes. They can be linked to aging of the eye, eye conditions, certain health conditions, or some medications. Because many causes are possible, a change that you notice is worth mentioning to an eye care provider rather than guessing at the reason.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Traditionally, color vision has been checked with simple tests during an eye exam, such as pages of colored dots or arranging colored caps in order. These help show whether a difference exists and what type it may be.
When a change appears later in life, eye care providers have generally looked at the whole eye, including the lens, retina and optic nerve, as well as overall health and any medications. The goal is to understand the cause of the change rather than to assume it is simply age.
People with lifelong color blindness have commonly used practical strategies, such as labeling items, relying on brightness and position cues, using phone apps or settings that help identify colors, and asking others for help. Color-enhancing filter glasses and contact lenses are also available. They do not cure color blindness and do not restore normal color vision, and how well they work varies with a person's specific type (protan, deutan or tritan) and severity. Some people find them helpful in certain situations and others notice little difference.
How the right doctor may help
The right provider, such as an eye doctor with experience in genetic and acquired color vision evaluation, may help you sort out whether what you notice is a long-standing trait, a normal age-related change, or something that deserves a closer look. A visit generally includes a conversation about your history, a vision exam, and color vision testing.
Helpful things to bring up include when you first noticed a change, whether it affects one eye or both, any other vision changes, your general health, and the medications you take. If color vision has been the same your whole life, say so, since that information can be useful.
You might ask: Is my color vision difference likely inherited or acquired? Could aging, cataracts or another condition play a role? Is it likely to change? Would a color-enhancing filter be appropriate for my type and severity, and what are its limits? Only a licensed clinician can decide what is appropriate for you after an evaluation, and no outcome can be promised.
The whole-person view
Body, mind and stress affect each other, and vision is part of that picture. Noticing that colors look different can feel unsettling, and worry can make everyday tasks like driving, cooking or choosing clothes feel harder. Rest, lighting, overall health and eye care all shape how you experience what you see.
If concerns about changing vision are weighing on you, body-based support such as that listed through Somatic Experiences may help some people feel more settled, and talk therapy through Therapists.plus may help with adjusting to changes. These complement, and never replace, a proper eye evaluation.
Keep in mind
- Color blindness and aging is a broad topic, and a sudden change in color vision or other vision should be checked promptly by a licensed eye care professional.
- Color-enhancing filter glasses and contact lenses do not cure color blindness or restore normal color vision, and their effect varies by type and severity.
- Career and licensing color vision requirements vary by employer and authority and change over time, so confirm current standards with the specific employer, licensing body or agency.
- This page is educational only and not medical advice. For emergencies call 911; in a crisis call or text 988.
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Frequently asked questions
Does color blindness get worse with age?
Inherited color blindness usually stays fairly stable throughout life. However, normal aging of the eye can make colors look duller or harder to tell apart, and this can add to an existing difference. An eye care provider can help tell the two apart.
Can you develop color blindness as you get older?
Yes, color vision changes can develop later in life. They may be related to aging of the lens, eye conditions, other health conditions or certain medications. A licensed eye care provider can evaluate the possible cause.
Why do colors look faded as I get older?
The eye's lens tends to become more yellow or cloudy over time, which can make colors look less vivid and some shades harder to separate. Other eye changes can also contribute. An eye exam can help clarify what is happening.
Are color blind glasses helpful for age-related color changes?
Color blind glasses are color-enhancing filters that do not cure color blindness or restore normal color vision. Whether they help depends on the person's specific type and severity, and they are not designed to treat age-related changes. Ask a licensed provider whether they are appropriate for you.
Should I see a doctor if my color vision changes suddenly?
Yes, a sudden change in color vision or other vision should be evaluated promptly by a licensed eye care professional. For an emergency, call 911. Do not wait to see whether it passes on its own.
Can cataracts affect color vision?
Cataracts can make colors look dimmer, yellowed or less distinct. Whether this is what you're experiencing is something only a licensed eye care provider can determine after an exam. Ask them about any change you notice.
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.