1.

Basics of Color Vision, Wavelength, and Pigment

Color vision begins with light, which is made up of electromagnetic waves. These waves vary in length, and
each wavelength corresponds to a different color. For example, shorter wavelengths (around 450 nm) appear
blue, while longer wavelengths (around 700 nm) appear red¹.

When light enters our eyes, it is detected by photoreceptor cells called cones. Humans typically have three
types of cones, each sensitive to different wavelengths: one type for red, one for green, and one for blue².
These cones contain pigments that absorb specific wavelengths of light. The brain then processes the
signals from these cones.

2. Anatomy of the Eye Related to Color Vision

The eye is a complex orga. Light first passes through the cornea, which helps to focus it. It then travels
through the pupil, the opening in the center of the iris (the colored part of the eye), which adjusts the amount
of light entering the eye³.

Behind the pupil is the lens, which further focuses light onto the retina at the back of the eye. The retina
contains the photoreceptor cells (rods and cones). Rods are responsible for vision in low light conditions and
do not detect color, while cones are responsible for color vision and function best in bright light⁴.

The signals from the cones are transmitted via the optic nerve to the brain, where they are processed in the
visual cortex to create the perception of color⁵.
Types of Color Vision Deficiencies

Color blind individuals perceive colors differently due to the way their eyes process light. There are several
types of Color vision deficiencies, each impacting color perception differently.

1. Red-Green Color Blindness

The most common type of color blindness is red-green color blindness, which includes:

- Protanopia, when the Individuals have difficulty distinguishing between red and green hues because they
perceive red as darker and may confuse it with black or dark brown¹. This condition occurs when the red
cones in the retina are absent.
- Deuteranopia: People with deuteranopia cannot differentiate between red and green, often seeing them as
similar shades². This type results from the absence of green cones.
- Protanomaly and Deuteranomaly: These are milder forms where the red or green cones are present but not
functioning correctly. Protanomaly makes red appear greener and less bright, while deuteranomaly makes
green look more red².

2. Blue-Yellow Color Blindness

Less common than red-green color blindness, blue-yellow color blindness includes:

- Tritanopia: Individuals with tritanopia struggle to distinguish between blue and green, and between yellow
and red. This condition is due to the absence of blue cones.
- Tritanomaly: A milder form where blue cones are present but not functioning properly.

3. Complete Color Blindness

Complete color blindness, or monochromacy, is rare and includes:

- Cone Monochromacy: Unlike typical color blindness, where one type of cone is affected, cone
monochromacy involves the dysfunction of two or all three types of cones. Individuals with cone
monochromacy see the world in shades of gray and may have poor visual acuity and light sensitivity⁴.
- Rod Monochromacy: this condition is even rarer and is characterized by the absence of functioning cone
cells, leading to a complete lack of color vision. People with rod monochromacy see no color at all, only
black, white, and shades of gray. They also have poor vision in bright light and may experience involuntary
eye movements.
1. Genetic Factors

The most common cause of color vision deficiencies is genetic inheritance. These deficiencies are often
passed down from parents to their children through genes on the X chromosome. This is why red-green color
blindness is more prevalent in males, affecting about 8% of men and 0.5% of women¹. Blue-yellow color
blindness and monochromacy are less common and can affect both genders equally¹.

2. Injuries and Diseases

Certain injuries and diseases can also lead to color vision deficiencies. Eye diseases such as glaucoma and
age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can damage the retina, affecting color perception². Brain and
nervous system diseases like Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis (MS), and Parkinson's disease can also impact
the brain's ability to process color information². Additionally, conditions like diabetes can damage the blood
vessels in the retina

3. Medications

Some medications can cause color vision deficiencies as a side effect. For example, drugs used to treat
arthritis (like Plaquenil), high blood pressure, and certain nervous disorders can affect color vision². It's
important for patients to be aware of these potential side effects and discuss them with their healthcare
providers.

4. Environmental Factors

Exposure to certain environmental chemicals can damage the retina or optic nerve.

5. Aging

As we age, our ability to perceive colors can diminish. This is often due to changes in the lens of the eye,
such as the development of cataracts, which can cause colors to appear less vibrant and more yellowed².
Aging can also lead to a general decline in the sensitivity of the photoreceptor cells.
How Do Color Blind People Perceive Colors?

Comparative Descriptions

For those with red-green color blindness, red might not stand out as it does for those with normal vision, but
rather blend in with some other hues.

Emotional and Contextual Associations

Colors often carry emotional and contextual meanings. Red, for instance, is associated with warmth and
passion, as well as danger and urgency. For color blind individuals then, these feelings will associate with
red.

Abstract Concepts

The ones that struggle to perceive certain shades, or see no color at all, still know about it.

Memory

For those who lose their ability to perceive color later in life, memory plays a crucial role. They might
remember that the sky is blue or that leaves are green, even if they no longer see these colors. This memory
helps them navigate the world easier.
Technological Aids for Color Vision Deficiencies

There are several technological aids available to help individuals with color vision deficiencies:

1. Color Correcting Glasses

Color correcting glasses use special lenses to filter out specific wavelengths of light. This enhances the
contrast between colors, particularly red and green, making it easier for people with red-green color
blindness to distinguish these shades¹.

2. Special Contact Lenses

Special contact lenses are designed to correct color vision issues by using similar filtering technology as the
glasses.

3. Color Identification Apps

Color identification apps use the camera on a smartphone to detect and identify colors in real-time. These
apps can provide the names and codes of colors.

4. Color Filters

Color filters, available as overlays or digital tools, can be used to adjust the colors on screens or in printed
materials. These filters help to enhance color contrast.