Colour Blindness Demystified: Doctor's Secret Guide

By Dr. Ankita Kashyap and Prof. Krishna N. Sharma

"Embark on a journey to unravel the mysteries of color perception with 'Colour Blindness Demystified: Doctor's Secret Guide.' This enlightening book offers a profound exploration of color blindness, shedding light on its various types, causes, and impacts. From Protanomaly to Achromatopsia, delve into the intricacies of different color vision deficiencies and understand the psychological, social, and biological aspects through the innovative biopsychosocial approach.

Learn about the diagnostic tests used to identify color blindness and discover the latest assistive devices, including color correction glasses, designed to enhance the quality of life for color blind individuals. Explore the psychological support mechanisms and lifestyle modifications that can make a significant difference. With a focus on education, career choices, and building robust support networks, this guide empowers individuals living with color blindness to navigate the world confidently.

Through real-life stories and insightful discussions, 'Colour Blindness Demystified' not only educates readers but also advocates for awareness and acceptance. This book is not just a guide; it's a beacon of hope, fostering understanding, compassion, and embracing the beautiful diversity of human perception."

• Language: English
• Publisher: Virtued Press
• Release date: Oct 11, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223061991

Dr. Ankita Kashyap

Dr. Ankita Kashyap stands as a trailblazing figure in Azamgarh, holding the title of the first female MD (Medicine) in the city. She is a General Physician, Author, World Record Holder, and TEDx Speaker of considerable renown. Her medical prowess is reflected in her roles as Head of Department at Maha Mrityunjay Hospital and as a Consultant at Medicure Medical Center, both in Azamgarh. Dr. Ankita's extensive experience is further highlighted by her previous positions as a Senior Resident at prestigious institutions and her engaging Visiting Faculty stints at St. Louis University, Cameroon; and Victoria University, Uganda. Beyond her medical expertise, Dr. Ankita is a literary force with over 100 books to her name, earning her the accolade of best-selling author.

Book preview

Chapter 1: Unveiling the Book's Purpose and Target Audience

What Is Colour Blindness?

We must first explore the intriguing science underlying our capacity to detect colours in order to fully comprehend colour blindness. Cones are specialised cells in our eyes that are in charge of sensing various light wavelengths. These cones come in three different colours: red, green, and blue. We are able to perceive the wide spectrum of colours that make up our surroundings because each type of cone is sensitive to a particular range of wavelengths.

However, in the case of colour blindness, one or more types of cones are lacking or absent, which causes a changed perception of colour. This deficiency may be developed owing to specific diseases or ageing, or it may be congenital, meaning it is present from birth. Let's delve deeper into these reasons and throw some light on the various forms of colour blindness.

Genetic abnormalities that impact the development or operation of the cones in the retina are the main cause of congenital colour blindness. Color blindness is more prevalent in men than in women since these defects are typically hereditary. Red-green colour blindness, the most prevalent type of congenital colour blindness, affects people's ability to discern between distinct colours of red and green. Protanopia and deuteranopia are the two subtypes of this disease.

People with protanopia do not have functioning red cones, thus they see reds as deeper and less saturated, leading them to mistake them for greens. However, deuteranopia results in a lack of functioning green cones, which causes a similar conflation of reds and greens. Both diseases can range in severity, with some people having a minor colour blindness and others perhaps having a more serious impairment.

Tritanopia, often known as blue-yellow colour blindness, is a different form of congenital colour blindness. People with tritanopia are lacking blue cones, which impairs their ability to distinguish between blue and yellow hues. They might therefore mistake blues for greens and yellows for pinks or greys.

In addition to congenital colour blindness, a variety of causes can lead to acquired colour vision impairment. A number of drugs, including those used to treat malaria or glaucoma, can affect how you see colour. Acquired colour blindness can also be caused by some visual conditions, such as cataracts or macular degeneration. If you notice a sudden or gradual change in your colour vision, you must see an ophthalmologist right away because this could be a sign of a serious underlying medical condition.

Living with colour blindness may feel daunting, but it's important to realise that it doesn't prevent people from having happy, fulfilled lives. People who are colour blind are capable of adapting and navigating their surroundings successfully with the correct information and coping mechanisms. Here are some methods that may be useful:

1. Labeling: Labeling items with their appropriate colours, especially clothing, is one of the simplest yet most successful ways. This can be especially useful when matching clothing or recognising coloured things, like traffic lights.

2. Contrast: In order to identify between colours that may appear identical, contrast should be emphasised. For instance, wearing contrasting colours or placing black writing on a white backdrop can make it simpler to distinguish different shades.

3. Technology: There are now gadgets and apps that can help those with colour vision deficiencies thanks to technological improvements. These apps can assist in colour naming and identification, making it simpler to navigate one's environment.

4. Seek Support: Making connections with other colour blind people can be a tremendous source of understanding and support. Participating in online forums or support groups can enable people to exchange experiences, coping mechanisms, and guidance.

5. Compensate with Other Senses: Although our ability to see colour visually may be compromised, it's important to keep in mind that we also have other senses that can make up for this shortcoming. Observing texture, shape, and pattern can offer further hints for discriminating between distinct items.

As a result, colour blindness affects a person's capacity to see and distinguish between colours. Congenital or acquired, there are many different types and causes of it. While having colour blindness comes with some difficulties, it is important to understand that it does not prohibit people from living full and fulfilling lives. Individuals with colour blindness can manage their surroundings with confidence and adaptability by using tactics like labelling, highlighting contrast, using technology, seeking support, and compensating with other senses.

Prevalence of Colour Blindness

A genetic disease called colour blindness, commonly referred to as colour vision deficit, affects how people see colours. Given that the genes involved in colour vision are found on the X chromosome, it is more common in men than in women. Males can get colour blindness if they inherit a defective gene on their X chromosome, but females must inherit defective genes from both parents in order to have the disorder.

According to research, 0.8 percent of men and 0.5 percent of women globally suffer from some sort of colour blindness. The prevalence might, however, range dramatically between various populations and ethnic groupings. Let's examine these variations in more detail.

According to a North American study, 0.5% of Caucasian women and 8% of Caucasian men suffer from colour blindness, respectively. The genetic make-up of the Caucasian population can be credited for this high incidence. However, in African and Asian groups, the frequency of colour blindness is substantially lower, with male rates ranging from 2 to 5 percent and female rates of less than 0.5 percent. Variations in the types and frequencies of the genes responsible for colour vision can be used to explain these discrepancies.

It's interesting to note that different populations have varied levels and types of colour blindness. Red-green colour vision deficit, which can be further divided into the subtypes of protanopia and deuteranopia, is the most prevalent type of colour blindness. Deuteranopia is the inability to see green light, whereas protanopia is the inability to see red light. The prevalence of these subtypes varies among various populations, according to studies.

For instance, around 2% of males in the United States have red-green colour vision insufficiency, with approximately 50% having protanopia and the remaining 50% having deuteranopia. Studies done in some Asian groups, however, have revealed a higher prevalence of deuteranopia than protanopia. These variances are thought to be the result of unique genetic mutations that produce colour blindness.

Additionally, studies have looked at the frequency of colour blindness among various occupational categories. The ability to see colours clearly is necessary for some occupations, like those of a pilot and an electrician. Therefore, it is critical to comprehend how common colour blindness is among these people. According to studies, there are more people who are colour blind in some professions than in the overall population.

For instance, a study of airline pilots revealed that a higher percentage of male pilots than the general male population—10%—were colour blind. The strict colour vision requirements for this occupation account for the higher incidence. In a similar vein, research have revealed greater rates of colour blindness among electricians, whose jobs depend on their ability to distinguish between various wire colours.

Age can affect the prevalence of colour blindness in addition to heredity and career. According to research, the likelihood of having colour blindness tends to rise with age. This may be caused by a number of things, including the ageing process naturally, specific drugs, and eye-related illnesses. Therefore, it is crucial for people to frequently check their colour vision, especially as they get older.

For the purpose of increasing awareness and offering the proper support and accommodations, it is essential to comprehend the prevalence of colour blindness in various communities. It aids in the development of initiatives by educators and members of the medical community to meet the needs of people who are colour blind and guarantee that they have equal chances in all facets of life.

As a practitioner of holistic medicine, I think it's crucial to support inclusion and attend to the particular needs of people who are colour blind. The effects of colour blindness on daily life will be covered in the part after this, along with tips and coping processes to assist people in overcoming any obstacles they may encounter. Together, we can fight to create a society that values each person's individual worldview and is more inclusive and understanding.

Impact of Colour Blindness

A genetic disease called colour blindness, commonly referred to as colour vision deficit, affects how people see colours. Given that the genes involved in colour vision are found on the X chromosome, it is more common in men than in women. Males can get colour blindness if they inherit a defective gene on their X chromosome, but females must inherit defective genes from both parents in order to have the disorder.

According to research, 0.8 percent of men and 0.5 percent of women globally suffer from some sort of colour blindness. The prevalence might, however, range dramatically between various populations and ethnic groupings. Let's examine these variations in more detail.

According to a North American study, 0.5% of Caucasian women and 8% of Caucasian men suffer from colour blindness, respectively. The genetic make-up of the Caucasian population can be credited for this high incidence. However, in African and Asian groups, the frequency of colour