Color blindness, more correctly, color deficiency, occurs in about 4 out of every 100 boys and less than 1 in every 100 girls. There are 3 types: protanopia, deuteranopia, and tritanopia which make it difficult to distinguish certain colors, such as blue and yellow or red and green. The most common form of color vision deficiency causes an inaccurate perception of the colors red and green, making it easy to confuse them.
The term "color blindness" is misleading, because most "colorblind" people see colors, but their color perception is limited and inaccurate. Certain colors appear washed out and are easily confused with other colors, depending on the type of color vision deficiency they have.
Color deficiency can develop due to some disease processes. If you notice a change in your color vision, you should visit your doctor. Sudden or gradual loss of color vision can indicate any number of underlying health problems. Cataracts. Diabetes and Parkinson’s disease can bring on a change in the ability to distinguish colors. Special contact lenses can enhance color perception and are available in our office.