Current as of: December 18, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Christopher J. Rudnisky MD, MPH, FRCSC - Ophthalmology
https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/stc123729
Find More Information on the Government of BC Website
Colour blindness results from an absence of colour-sensitive pigment in the cone cells of the retina, the nerve layer at the back of the eye that converts light into nerve signals that are sent to the brain. A person with colour blindness has trouble seeing red, green, blue, or mixtures of these colours.
Most colour vision problems are inherited and are present at birth. Other colour vision problems, called acquired coloured vision problems, are caused by aging, disease, injury to the eye, optic nerve problems, or a side effect of medicines. Inherited colour blindness is more common than acquired colour blindness and affects males far more often than females.
Inherited colour vision problems can't be treated or corrected. Some acquired colour vision problems can be treated, depending on the cause.
Current as of: December 18, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Christopher J. Rudnisky MD, MPH, FRCSC - Ophthalmology
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content.
To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org.
© 1995-2020 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.