Color Blindness: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Color Blindness?
An eye doctor called an ophthalmologist can check for color blindness. Testing for color blindness is usually part of a complete eye exam. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is color blindness?
Color blindness is the inability to see some colors in the usual way. It is also called color vision deficiency. People who have it see colors differently than most people.
There are three main kinds. The most common kind makes it hard to tell the difference between red and green. Another kind makes blue and yellow look the same. In rare cases, people have complete color vision deficiency, which means they do not see color at all.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. A person with color vision deficiency may have trouble seeing:
- The difference between colors.
- How bright colors are.
- Different shades of colors.
Symptoms are often so mild that people may not know they are color blind. A parent may notice signs of color blindness when a young child is first learning colors. People with very serious cases might also have nystagmus, which means quick side-to-side eye movements. Most people with color vision deficiency do not have problems with everyday activities. Some jobs, such as electrician, painter, or fashion designer, need accurate color vision.
Causes and who gets it
Color blindness occurs when there is a problem with the pigments in certain nerve cells of the eye that sense color. These cells are called cones. They are found in the retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye. Most people who have color vision deficiency are born with it. The most common types are genetic, meaning they are passed down from parents. Men have a much higher risk than women. About 1 in 12 men have color vision deficiency. Very few women are color blind.
You are also more likely to have it if you:
- Have a family history of color vision deficiency.
- Have certain eye diseases.
- Have certain health problems, like diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, or multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Take certain medicines.
The drug hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) can also cause color blindness. Color vision deficiency can also happen after an injury to the retina, the optic nerve, or the brain. The optic nerve connects the eye to the brain. Color vision may also get worse with age, often because of cataracts, which are cloudy areas in the lens of the eye.
How doctors diagnose it
Your eye doctor can usually use a simple test to tell you if you have color vision deficiency. In the most common test, the doctor shows you a circle made of many different colored dots. The circle has a shape inside it that is also made of dots, like a number, a letter, or a squiggly line. People with color vision deficiency have a hard time seeing the shape. It can be tricky to diagnose color vision deficiency in children.
Treatment
There is no cure for color vision deficiency that is passed down in families, but most people adjust to it. If you have trouble with everyday tasks, your eye doctor can talk with you about options such as:
- Special contact lenses and eyeglasses, which may help people tell the difference between colors.
- Apps that let people take a photo with a phone or tablet and then tap on part of the photo to find out what color it is.
Children with color vision deficiency may need help with some classroom activities. Adults may need accommodations to do jobs that rely on telling the difference between colors. If another health problem is causing the change, your doctor will treat that condition. If a medicine is the cause, your doctor may suggest you switch to a different medicine. Research suggests gene therapies are promising for a severe type of color vision deficiency.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider or eye specialist if you think you or your child may have color blindness. Get your child's eyes tested if they have a family history of color vision deficiency or seem to have trouble learning colors. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have a sudden change in vision, sudden dizziness or weakness, or a change in mental state.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Contact your provider or eye specialist if you think you or your child may have color blindness. Testing for color blindness is usually part of a complete eye exam.
Common questions
Can color blindness be cured?
Color vision deficiency that is passed down in families has no cure, but most people adjust to it. Special contact lenses and eyeglasses may help people tell the difference between colors.
Is color blindness more common in men than in women?
Yes, men have a much higher risk than women. Very few women are color blind.
Does color blindness mean seeing only black and white?
No, most people with color blindness see colors, but differently than most people do. The most common kind makes it hard to tell the difference between red and green.
Can color blindness start later in life?
Yes, color vision deficiency can also happen because of an injury to the retina, the optic nerve, or the brain. Sometimes it does not show up until later in life.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Color Blindness
- MedlinePlus - Color blindness (Medical Encyclopedia)
- National Eye Institute - Color Blindness
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
