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Basics
See, Play and Learn
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Resources
For You
Summary
Most of us see our world in color. We enjoy looking at a lush green lawn or a red rose in full bloom. If you have a color vision defect, you may see these colors differently than most people.
There are three main kinds of color vision defects. Red-green color vision defects are the most common. This type occurs in men more than in women. The other major types are blue-yellow color vision defects and a complete absence of color vision.
Most of the time, color blindness is genetic. There is no treatment, but most people adjust and the condition doesn't limit their activities.
-
Color Blindness
(National Eye Institute)
- What Is Color Blindness? (American Academy of Ophthalmology) Also in Spanish
Specifics
- Achromatopsia (American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus)
Genetics
-
Achromatopsia: MedlinePlus Genetics
(National Library of Medicine)
-
Color vision deficiency: MedlinePlus Genetics
(National Library of Medicine)
Statistics and Research
-
Eye Health Data and Statistics
(National Eye Institute)
Also in Spanish
Clinical Trials
-
ClinicalTrials.gov: Color Vision Defects
(National Institutes of Health)
Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
Find an Expert
- American Optometric Association
- Find an Ophthalmologist (American Academy of Ophthalmology) Also in Spanish
-
National Eye Institute
Children
-
Ask a Scientist: What Is Color Blindness?
(National Eye Institute)
- Color Blindness (American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus)
Patient Handouts
- Color blindness (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
- Color vision test (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.