What it is
Most people adapt well. It can matter for some jobs, such as pilots, electricians or some armed forces roles, and children may need small adjustments at school.
Inherited colour vision deficiency cannot be cured. A change in colour vision later in life may be caused by an eye condition or medicine and should be checked.
Common signs
- Difficulty telling red, green, brown and orange apart
- Colours looking less bright
- Rarely, difficulty with blue and yellow, or seeing no colour at all
How it is usually diagnosed
- Colour vision tests, such as the Ishihara test, at an optician
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Colour vision test results
- Eye test records
- Notes for school or work
Questions to ask your doctor
- What type do I have?
- Will it affect my career choices?
- Could a recent change in my colour vision be a sign of something else?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Sudden change in vision or colour vision in one eye: get same-day help
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.