ColorBlindness

Introduction to Colorblindness
 * Color Blindness - Part of Life **

Throughout this pamphlet, we will discuss some important causes, effects, diagnosis’, prognosis’, and exactly what gene has to mutate for someone to end up with colorblindness. There are 3 major types of color deficiency: protan, deutan, and tritan defects. Also known as - Color deficiency

Symptoms- The symptoms will vary from person to person, but they all follow the same general ideas. Trouble seeing the brightness of different colors in the usual way, and the inability to distinguish different shades of similar colors are among these symptoms. Others may include sudden, quick, side to side movements of the eyes occur in severe cases. What kind of Genetic Mutation is colorblindness?

Well, colorblindness is a gene mutation that causes a loss of either green or red cones in a person’s eyes. However, recently scientists have discovered that some people with the gene mutation that causes colorblindness lose an entire set of “color” cones. Their retinas can be compared with a slice of swiss cheese, all the holes representing where the color cones should be. Despite what some of us may think, color blindness is a X-Linked recessive trait. As far as Autosomal vs. Sex Linked, Colorblindness has been proven to be autosmal for yellow colorblindness. On the other hand, red-green and blue coned colorblindness is sex linked. What Causes Colorblindness?

Usually, colorblindness is present at birth and is passed on genetically. When this is not the cause, there are a number of ways by which you can go colorblind, such as

Aging

Eye problems like glaucoma or cataracts

Injury to the eye

And in rare cases, side effects of some medicines Epidemiology of Colorblindness

Red color blindness is mainly male, genes control the color receptors located on the X-chromosomes that men possess a single copy of, and women possess 2. This gene Is recessive, so women will be diagnosed if both of their X chromosomes are weak, making it much less likely. Interestingly, women can be carriers of colorblindness and pass it on to their progeny, but they may never suffer from it. Additionally, women are more prone to have 3 type of cones, so that allows more variety in their color spectrum. If a woman is red-green colorblind, her sons will also be red-green colorblind. How is colorblindness diagnosed?

Usually colorblindness is discovered at birth, or even when a child starts to learn their colors and begins to have issues. However, it may not be trustworthy to test someone under 7 years old. A diagnosis in a mild case is described as having “a narrower color spectrum than a normal person”, and a severe case is not having any ability to see any colors. Contrary to popular belief, most colorblind people CAN see almost every color. What is the prognosis of colorblindness?

Colorblindness that is inherited is present in both eyes and remains constant over a person’s entire life. Some cases of acquired color vision loss are not severe, may appear in only one eye, and last for only a short time. Other cases may be progressive, becoming worse with time. Possible Treatments for Colorblindness

Unfortunately, there are no cures for colorblindness. Although, there are numerous treatments to help control the disease and even lessen its effects. One of these treatments includes using a special pair of glasses that alter the colors you DO see to the colors that you SHOULD see. Also, an eye doctor can prescribe tinted contact lenses that reduce glare and let patients see more clearly. Additionally, something doctors can do is use filters, such as a red-orange filter that make it easier to interpret colors or actually assist the eyes in seeing contrasts.

Some facts about Colorblindness

Contrary to popular belief, dogs ARE NOT colorblind.

In certain countries you need normal color vision to get a license

References: [] [] http://www.wikipedia.org/colorblindness www.wikianswers.com