Whether or not you're colorblind, many people wonder what colorblindness is. And why are some people colorblind?
Colorblindness, or dyschromatopsia, is the name given to an anomaly of color vision characterized by the confusion of red and green colors. This problem can even lead some people to be unable to see these colors, as well as blue or any mixture of colors. Most affected people inherited this deficiency from their parents and have had this disability since birth.
The human eye uses 3 types of cones for color vision; these are retinal cells that function in daylight vision and are concentrated in the macula, the most "connected" part of the retina. Each of these cones detects red, green, or blue light.
For those who inherit colorblindness, one of these cells does not function properly, does not exist, or ceases to function. A person may not see one of the three basic colors (red, blue, or green) or may see a different shade of that specific color.
However, colorblindness is not always hereditary. One can become colorblind due to an eye problem (macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, aging...) or trauma (a blow or injury to the eye).
There are several color tests to determine what kind of colorblindness the patient has. There are several online, but these are limited, and it is best to consult an eye specialist.
How does a colorblind person see?
Depending on the nature of their colorblindness, people affected by this condition see their environment differently. Each type of cone relates to a colorblind person:
- L cone affected: the subject is protanope, meaning they do not see red, or protanomal, meaning red is present but deficient.
- M cone affected: the subject is deuteranope, meaning there is an absence of green; this is the most common form.
- S cone affected: the subject is tritanope, meaning they do not see blue; this is a very rare condition.
Comparative vision of different colorblind people:
Glasses for the colorblind?
Research is still ongoing to improve the daily lives of colorblind people, and some manufacturers offer specific glasses. Another solution will be connected glasses, which will certainly be able to solve these problems soon.
Like others, the eyes of colorblind people are fragile, get tired, and age! That's why it's important to protect them from UV, blue light, splashes... with blue light filtering glasses for computers or with presbyopia reading glasses after 45 for those who have difficulty reading or seeing small print.
