Color blindness is one of the most common vision problems, especially among the male population.
It is a disorder that prevents the perception of certain colors of the spectrum, and in the most severe cases does not allow seeing any color.
There is still much to be done to find an effective remedy, but even today it is possible to adopt some solutions that at least allow to mitigate the problem.
But let's see what it is and what the different types of color blindness are.
History and definition of color blindness
In 1794, the English chemist John Dalton publishes an article discussing the incorrect perception of colors in some people, including himself. This article marks the beginning of the study of the disease that will be named color blindness after the author of the article.
Scientifically known as color blindness, color blindness manifests in different ways depending on which primary color is not perceived or is partially perceived by the affected individual.
In the case of total blindness to a color, we have:
- protanopia: blindness to red;
- deuteranopia: blindness to green;
- tritanopia: blindness to blue-yellow.
If there is partial blindness to one of these colors, we have:
- protanomaly: poor sensitivity to red;
- deuteranomaly: poor sensitivity to green;
- tritanomaly: poor sensitivity to blue-yellow.
In its most severe form, called achromatopsia, one cannot perceive any of the primary colors and the world appears in black and white.
How does color blindness occur?
In most cases, color blindness has a genetic origin and results from an alteration of the X chromosome. Although, to a lesser extent, cases of color blindness induced by other pathologies, trauma, or incorrect lifestyles can occur.
Men are affected much more than women, with an incidence of 8% in the total male population compared to 1% in the female population.
This is due to the fact that the genetic modification appears on the X chromosome. Since women have two X chromosomes, it is necessary for both to have this modification.
However, if the modification appears only on one of the two X chromosomes, the woman can be a 'healthy carrier' and transmit color blindness to a male child.
Tests for color blindness
In 1917, Dr. Shinobu Ishihara, a specialist in ophthalmology, was tasked with developing tests to recognize color blindness. Thus were born the “Ishihara Plates”, 38 plates that present disks containing numbers made up of dots in two contrasting colors. The numbers can be seen and recognized, depending on the test, only by those who suffer from color blindness or by those who have no visual defects.
In the case of preschool children, the test can still be performed, but instead of numbers, images are used.
Today, the test is used worldwide due to its ease and accuracy, especially in selections for those wishing to join the Army.
Diagnosis and treatment of color blindness
As we have seen, diagnosis can occur at any age, even from a very young age. Unfortunately, there are currently no effective treatments, but it is possible to use some precautions.
In particular, it is possible to use special lenses to which filters are applied that allow improving the contrast of images and somehow make it possible to perceive the difference in color.
Software and applications have also been developed that allow those who suffer from color blindness to 'correct' images to make colors more distinguishable.
Do you think you are colorblind?
On the internet, you will find many tests that will give you an idea of your color perception and will convince you whether or not you want to explore the case with a professional. Therefore, to get a diagnosis, contact your trusted eye doctor or book an appointment at our stores!