Color Blind Awareness: Understanding Color Vision Deficiency

Color blindness, color vision deficiency, is common, yet widely misunderstood. It occurs when the cones in the retina don’t function properly, and ranges from mild to severe.

The main types

Red-green deficiencies (protanopia, deuteranopia) are the most common. Blue-yellow deficiencies (tritanopia) are rarer. Complete color blindness, achromatopsia, seeing only in shades of gray, is rarest of all.

How it is diagnosed

At KLY we use comprehensive color vision testing, including the Ishihara test, to accurately diagnose the type and severity. Early diagnosis helps people adapt and manage the condition effectively.

Living with it

There is no cure, but plenty of help: color-identifying apps, labeling strategies, and color-corrective lenses that enhance perception for some types. We also advise schools and employers on colorblind-friendly design.