Anatomy - Colour Blindness

Colour blindness is the unfortunate condition that afflicts a small minority of people in the UK.  The results of it often mean that they cannot detect a disparity between different shades of colour, limiting them in certain areas.  Although the condition is predominantly genetic, it can be provoked by nurture or events in the persons life.  Due to its limited disposition, those affected by a colour vision deficiency are medically considered disabled, but are rarely referred to this way in everyday society.

The main cause of colour blindness is through a genetic condition, and similar to any ailment of this kind this can be present from birth or develop as you approach adulthood.  This is due to inherited traits in the X chromosome, which effect the operation of the deeper workings of the eyes.   Depending on the condition, this can either stay the same, or worsen, as you get older.  In some cases severe colour blindness can result in the patient as being classified as medically blind.

Another cause of colour blindness is through shaken baby syndrome.  This is where, either through accident or mistreatment, the electrical pathways between the brain and the retina of a young infant become damaged, causing distortion between the cones of the eye, which can result in colour blindness.  It can also be provoked by over exposure to the sun or a tanning bed.  Staring directly into bright light can cause un-repairable damage from UV rays and, similar to Galileo all those centuries ago, can trigger blindness.

Colour blindness is not all that common in society contrary to popular belief.  It actually only effects 5-8% of all men, and only 1% of women.  The reason for the distortion between the male and the female figures is due to men only having one X chromosome.  As women have two X chromosomes, any infractions to one of the chromosomes, can be easily overridden by the other one.

Most cases of colour blindness only operate in a slightly debilitating manner, never dramatically impacting the lives of the recipient.  The most common form of the disease is the green-red hereditary, which effects the majority of those suffering from the ailment.  This was humorously exemplified by world snooker champion Peter Ebdon who, whilst in competition, potted a green coloured ball instead of a red coloured one, as he could not differentiate between the two.  However in rare instances, those afflicted will only be able to see a selection of base colours, projecting what is often referred to as, 'black and white movie' vision.  As interesting as this may sound, it can greatly affect the quality of life for the people involved, as many civil industries, such as the fire service, will not accept applications from those suffering from colour blindness.

Colour blindness is often treated as an amusing or comical disability to those ignorant to its full effects.  However it can present huge obstacles in the lives of many, and restrict them from progression in work or socially.