Color blindness is an eye condition that occurs when there is a problem with the pigments in certain nerve cells in the eye that perceive color. These cells are called cones and are found in the light-sensitive layer of tissue that lines the back of the eye, the retina. However, true color blindness affects people who only see in black and white, so it is more accurate to refer to this disorder as a color perception deficiency.

The symptoms of color blindness can range from mild to severe. Many people have such mild symptoms that they don't realize they have color deficiency or that they don't see colors well. This doesn't mean they're immune to the difficulties that may arise. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should see a specialist. These include:

• Difficulty combining clothing colors appropriately (not due to a lack of taste).
• Failure to identify color scales, which is especially important when it comes to road safety, as it is difficult to distinguish between the colors of one traffic sign or another.
• Whether in school or at work, during times when painting, making graphics, or working with color-based tasks is more difficult.

Furthermore, it's not that uncommon, with around 2 million people in Spain suffering from it. Risk factors are mostly genetic and gender-related, with 8% of men and only 0.5% of women suffering from it. In other cases, it may occur due to substance abuse or surgery, such as that performed when cataracts are detected and treated.

You can find more information on the Colorlite website and make an appointment at our opticians to clear up any doubts.