Colour blindness is a disorder of colour perception that affects around 8% of men and 0.5% of women. It can affect the daily lives of those affected. Understanding the different types of colour blindness and strategies for living with it can help improve the daily lives of people with colour blindness.
The different types of colour blindness
Colour blindness is generally caused by an abnormality in the cones of the retina, the cells responsible for colour perception. There are several main types:
- Red-green colour blindness: The most common, it is divided into two subtypes:
o Deuteranomaly: Reduced sensitivity to green (most common).
o Protanomaly: reduced sensitivity to red.
o Deuteranopia and protanopia: complete absence of green or red perception respectively.
- Blue-yellow color blindness (tritanomaly and tritanopy): Less frequent, it affects the perception of blue and yellow.
- Monochromatism: Rare, it results in a total absence of colour perception, forcing the person to see in grayscale.
Coping strategies for colour blindness
Although colour blindness cannot be corrected, there are a number of ways to make daily life easier:
• Use digital applications and tools: Applications such as Colour Blind Pal or browser extensions help to distinguish colours.
• Adopting special glasses or lenses: Certain technologies can enhance colour distinction.
• Use cues other than colour: For example, read labels rather than relying on the colour of objects.
• Make those around you aware of your condition: Informing those around you of your condition can help you avoid embarrassing situations.
• Use specific markings: For example, organize your clothes in a specific order or add labels to objects.
Colour blindness is a condition with which it is possible to live well thanks to various strategies and adapted tools. By understanding the different types of colour blindess and applying a few tricks, colour-blind people can overcome everyday challenges and adapt to their environment with greater ease.
