Friday, February, 10, 2012

Colorblind

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Color deficiency; Blindness - color


Treatment

There is no known treatment. However, there are special contact lenses and glasses that may help people with color blindness tell the difference between similar colors.


Support Groups


Expectations (prognosis)

Color blindness is a lifelong condition. Most people are able to adjust to it without difficulty or disability.


Complications

People who are colorblind may not be able to get a job that requires the ability to see colors accurately. For example, electricians (color-coded wires), painters, fashion designers (fabrics), and cooks (using the color of meat to tell whether it's done) need to be able to see colors accurately.


Calling your health care provider

Make an appointment with your health care provider or ophthalmologist if you think you (or your child) have color blindness.



Review Date: 06/01/2011
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; and Franklin W. Lusby, MD, Ophthalmologist, Lusby Vision Institute, La Jolla, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)