According to Prevent Blindness, approximately 8 percent of males and less than 1 percent of females have some form of color blindness, also known as color vision deficiency. The condition affects a person’s ability to distinguish certain colors and shades of colors. While there is no cure for color blindness, there are several coping strategies available, including special lenses. In this blog post, Monterey Park eye doctor Dr. Linda Vu shares more information on color blindness. She also explains how color blind glasses work and how effective they are.
Understanding Color Blindness
Color blindness occurs when light-sensitive cells (also known as photoreceptors) in the retina are absent or malfunction and fail to detect certain colors properly. The condition ranges from mild to severe, depending on which photoreceptors are absent or malfunctioning. Individuals with color blindness can have difficulty seeing colors and the brightness of colors. They may also have trouble telling the difference between shades of the same color or between different colors, such as red and green or blue and yellow.
Most commonly, color blindness is inherited. Other causes of color blindness include Parkinson’s disease, cataracts and injury. Individuals with mild color blindness may not even be aware that they have the condition. Often times, parents only notice the problem when their child is learning their colors.
Color blindness is diagnosed via a simple vision test. Your ophthalmologist will show you a pattern made of multi-colored dots. If you do not have color deficiency, you will be able to distinguish the numbers and shapes on the pattern. If you have some form of color blindness, you may have trouble seeing the numbers or shapes in the pattern, or you may not see anything in the pattern at all.
Do Color Blind Glasses Work?
Color blindness usually does not cause any significant disability and most individuals are able to adapt without too much difficulty. Acquired forms of color blindness are best treated by addressing the underlying condition or drug. Patients with inherited color blindness may benefit from special contact lenses and glasses that are designed to enhance color perception and thus help patients tell the difference between similar colors. How effective the color blind lenses are ultimately depends on the severity of the condition.
If you are interested in color blind glasses, it is best to consult with a board certified eye doctor, like Dr. Vu. The trusted doctor can evaluate your symptoms, the cause of your condition and your specific needs to determine whether color blind glasses can help you. To learn more about color blindness or to schedule an eye exam, please call (626) 382-2020 today.