Colour Blindness: A Basic Overview

Colour blindness, also known as colour vision deficiency, is a condition in which someone cannot properly see or distinguish certain colours. It is a common hereditary condition that affects the daily lives of those affected. Causes Colour blindness is usually caused by genetic abnormalities that affect the cones in the retina of the eye. Cones are the cells responsible for colour vision. There are three types of cones, each sensitive to red, green or blue light. An abnormality in one of these cone types can lead to colour blindness. Types of Colour Blindness Red-green colour blindness: This is the most common form and comprises two types: Protanopia: Inability to see red. Deuteranopia: Inability to see green. Blue-yellow colour blindness: Less common and comprises: Tritanopia: Inability to distinguish blue and yellow. Total colour blindness (Achromatopsia): Very rare, in which someone sees…