Most know how vital their eyesight is for carrying out everyday tasks, but many people take their color vision for granted. But for up to 8% of men, color blindness not only has a detrimental effect on their ability to perform some jobs and recreational activities but also diminishes their quality of life. Here, Eric G. Stocker, OD, one of the most experienced eye doctors in Amherst, OH, provides some important information to help you understand what the condition is and the impact it can have on daily life.

An Eye Doctor’s Guide to Color Blindness

What Is Color Blindness?

Because it’s not the same as blindness, the clinical term for the condition is color vision deficiency. Affecting mostly males, it’s an inherited genetic disorder that hinders the ability to discern red and green colors—though some individuals have trouble with blue and yellow hues instead. Severity can vary, but confusion in distinguishing between pigments is the common characteristic.

What Are the Symptoms?

Many adults go through life not realizing they have color deficiency. Because they’ve never experienced “normal” vision, it might not occur to them that they have a problem. But difficulty telling the difference between colors or being constantly told by others that the colors you see are “wrong” could be telltale signs. Children who don’t seem to grasp differences between hues should be checked for the condition. If you suspect an issue with color vision, an exam from an eye doctor is the only way to get an accurate diagnosis.

What Effects Does It Have on Daily Life? 

Everyday tasks such as driving, cooking meat, shopping for ripe produce, and matching clothing are made more difficult with color vision deficiency. It can also prevent you from holding certain jobs, such as police officer, bus driver, graphic designer, or an electrical technician. However, most people can adapt to the condition. There is no cure for color blindness, and pursuing novel therapies or products—such as specialized lenses—should be done with caution and only with the advice of your eye doctor.

If you suspect you or a loved one may be suffering from color blindness, make an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam at the office of Eric G. Stocker, OD. For more than 28 years, the experienced team of professionals has been providing a wide range of services with the goal of improving their patients’ vision and eye health. To learn more about their practice, visit the website, or call (440) 988-4419 to speak with their friendly staff and schedule an appointment with an eye doctor today.