Types of Colorblindness

Some people assume that those who are colorblind can see only black and white. In fact, it is simply a deficiency of color vision--seeing no color at all is very rare. There are varying degrees and types of colorblindness.

Protanomaly

• Those who have protanomaly do not see red the way others do. Reds, oranges, and yellows will appear paler and be tinted more toward green than normal.

Deuteranomaly

• Deuteranomaly affects the way shades of green are seen. They will appear to be closer to shades of red.

Dichromasy

• People with dichromasy see no difference between reds, yellows, oranges and greens. This can cause problems in everyday life: Imagine being at a stop light and all the colors look the same.

Protanopia

• Protanopia affects the brightness of reds, oranges and yellows. This dimming can cause reds to appear to black or gray.

Prevalence

• Colorblindness is more common in men than women. It is also more prevalent in caucasians.