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colour blindness

colour blindness results from an absence of colour-sensitive pigment in the cone cells of the retina, the nerve layer at the back of the eye that converts light into nerve signals that are sent to the brain. a person with colour blindness has trouble seeing red, green, blue, or mixtures of these colours.

most colour vision problems are inherited and are present at birth. other colour vision problems, called acquired coloured vision problems, are caused by aging, disease, injury to the eye, optic nerve problems, or a side effect of medicines. inherited colour blindness is more common than acquired colour blindness and affects males far more often than females.

inherited colour vision problems can't be treated or corrected. some acquired colour vision problems can be treated, depending on the cause.

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this information does not replace the advice of a doctor. healthwise, incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. your use of this information means that you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy. to learn more about healthwise, visit healthwise.org. © 1995-2022 healthwise, incorporated. healthwise, healthwise for every health decision, and the healthwise logo are trademarks of healthwise, incorporated.

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