eye care support
Colour Vision
Colour‑vision deficiency affects how someone sees and distinguishes colours.
People with this condition may confuse certain colours or see some colours as less bright or vivid. Complete colour blindness is extremely rare, so the term “colour‑blind” can be misleading.
Colour is used everywhere to communicate information. Children rely on colour in early learning, and difficulty distinguishing colours can affect classroom tasks. Knowing whether a child has a colour ‑ vision deficiency before school helps reduce potential learning challenges.
Accurate colour discrimination is also important in many careers—such as aviation, design, electrical work and painting. Adults who know they have a colour‑vision deficiency can make informed choices about study and work.
Colour is also used in everyday safety signals, including traffic lights and warning signs.
How common is it?
Colour‑vision deficiency is much more common in males than females with around 1 in 12 men being affected, and around 1 in 200 women being affected.
The most common type involves difficulty distinguishing shades of red and green.
Colour‑vision deficiency cannot be cured or prevention. However, many people naturally adapt and may not realise they see colours differently until tested.
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Colour Vision FAQs
Most colour‑vision deficiencies are inherited. Less commonly, they may develop later in life due to ageing, certain health conditions or eye injuries.
Colour perception relies on specialised cells in the retina that contain light‑sensitive pigments. These pigments respond to different wavelengths of light—roughly corresponding to red, green and blue. In colour‑vision deficiency, some of these cells respond differently than expected, altering how colours are perceived.
Optometrists use simple, reliable tests to assess colour vision. A routine eye examination can identify any colour‑vision differences and help you understand how they may affect daily life.