Color blindness occurs when one or more types of cone cells in the retina don’t function properly. The most common form is red-green color blindness, affecting about 8% of males and 0.5% of females. This condition is typically caused by:
- Genetic inheritance (particularly on the X chromosome)
- Damage to the retina or optic nerve
- Certain medical conditions or medications
People with color blindness may have difficulty distinguishing between certain colors, but rarely experience complete inability to see any colors. Modern technology, including special glasses and digital tools, can help color-blind individuals better distinguish colors in their daily lives.