|
|
Learn More About... |
Color Vision Deficiency Color vision deficiency is the inability to distinguish certain colors or in severe cases, see colors at all. Most people with color vision deficiency can see colors, but they have difficulty differentiating between particular shades of reds and greens or blues and yellows. The rare person who is totally "colorblind" can only see things as black and white or in shades of gray. Color vision deficiency is most often an inherited condition caused by a common X-linked recessive gene, passed from a mother to her son. But disease or injury, which causes damage to the optic nerve or retina, can also result in loss of color recognition. The severity of color vision deficiency ranges from mild to severe depending on the cause. It will affect both eyes if it is inherited and usually just one if the cause for the deficiency is injury or illness. Often parents don't suspect this condition in their children until a situation causes confusion or misunderstanding. Early detection of color vision deficiency is vital, since many learning materials in the early grades rely heavily on color recognition or color coding. That is why a comprehensive eye examination before a child begins school is essential. There is no cure for inherited color vision deficiency. But if the cause is an illness or eye injury, treating the condition that caused the problem may improve color vision. Specially tinted eyeglasses or contact lenses can improve some people's perception of colors. However, nothing can compensate for the deficiency enough to see colors the way a person with normal vision can. Color vision deficiency can be a frustration and may limit participation in some activities. However, it is not a serious threat to your child's vision and can be adapted to their lifestyle over time with patience and practice. |
TM |