Humans have three types of color cells, called cones, in the retina. These three types of color cells (red, green, and blue) help us appreciate all the different colors of the world. There are times when a person is missing one or all of their color cells which leads to color vision loss. Depending on what color cell is missing/working inadequately, will determine what colors are more difficult to differentiate and the degree of difficulty.
Color vision loss is often inherited. The genes are located on the X-chromosome and so often males are more likely to be color blind than females are.
Your optometric provider at Bridgetown Optometric Associates uses specific color testing booklets to determine your child’s ability to appreciate colors. This is important as some occupations require good color vision and it is important to know at an early age if there are difficulties present.
