Colour vision deficiency
Introduction
People with colour vision deficiencyfind it difficult to identify and distinguish between certain colours. It's sometimescalled being "colour blind", although total colour blindness (an inability to see any colour) is veryrare. Colour vision deficiency isusually passed on to a child by their parents (inherited) and is present from birth, although sometimes it can develop later in life. Most people are able to adapt to colour vision deficiency and it's rarely a sign of anything serious. This page covers: Types and symptoms of colour vision deficiency Tests for colour vision deficiency Issues for people with a colour vision deficiency Treating and living witha colour vision deficiency Causes ofcolour vision deficiency Howcolour vision deficiency is inherited
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Introduction
Find about colour vision deficiency and colour blindness, including how to get tested, why it happens, what problems it may cause and what can be done about it.
Types and symptoms of colour vision deficiency
Most peoplewithcolour vision deficiency have difficulty distinguishing between shades of red, yellow and green. This is known as "red-green" colour vision deficiency.It's a common problem that affect
T ests for colour vision deficiency
Ask for a colour vision test at an opticians if you think you or your child may have a colour vision deficiency particularly if it started suddenly or is getting worse. Colour vision tests don't usua
Issues for people with a colour vision deficiency
Colour vision deficiency isn't usually anything to be concerned about. Most people get used to it over time, it won't normally get any worse and it's rarely a sign of anything serious. However, it ca
Treating and living with a colour vision deficiency
There's currently no cure for inherited colour vision deficiency, although most people are able to adapt to it over time. It may help to: tell your child's school if they have problems with their c
Causes ofcolour vision deficiency
Inthe vast majorityof cases, colour vision deficiency iscaused by a genetic fault passed on to a child by their parents (see below). It occurs because some of thecolour sensitive cells in the eyes, c
How colour vision deficiency is inherited
Thegenetic fault that usually causes colour vision deficiencyis passed on in what's known as an X-linked inheritance pattern . This means: it mainly affects boys, but can affect girls in some cases
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