What Are the Causes of Color Blindness?

People with color blindness are unable to perceive or distinguish between certain colors. The most common type of color blindness is the inability to distinguish shades of red and green; it is uncommon for people with color blindness to not be able to recognize shades of blue and yellow. According to the Mayo Clinic, men are more apt to be color blind than women, and in many instances, color is an aspect of inherited traits (see Resources).

Genes

• In most cases, the trait of color blindness is inherited. According to the Mayo Clinic, 1 in 12 Caucasian males will be born with the red-green color deficiency. The gene is passed on through the X chromosome. Men have an X and Y chromosome, and the X chromosome carries the gene. Women have only X chromosomes, and in order to become color blind, they would have to have both X chromosomes with the gene.

Diseases

• It is rare for color blindness to be caused by a disease, but it can occur. Conditions such as diabetes, glaucoma, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease can result in color blindness. Anemia, leukemia, and alcoholism also have been linked to the condition, although typically only one eye is affected.

Medications

• Some drugs used to treat heart disease or high blood pressure could result in color blindness, but it is usually a side effect. In addition, drugs that treat rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and malaria can cause color blindness. Some medications prescribed for psychological disorders can affect color sight as well.

Chemicals

• Exposure to certain chemicals such as fertilizers or styrene can cause a loss of color vision. Any chemicals that have lead also have the potential to cause the condition. If you are exposed to carbon monoxide, you may also have a chance of becoming color blind. The Mayo Clinic recommends that factory and industrial workers have their eyes tested, as the loss of color vision may be difficult for them to perceive.

Age

• As we age, our eyes slowly begins lose the ability to see colors properly. The shades of colors that we see tend to fade as well. The lens within our eyes can become clouded as a result of cataracts (see Resources). Usually, individuals who are over the age of 60 are at a higher risk of developing cataracts, which can then lead to color blindness.

Treatment

• Color blindness cannot be cured in the case of inheritance. For color blindness due to illness, treatment for the underlying cause can help improve vision.