Is It Possible to Become Colorblind After Birth?

Color blindness, a term often used loosely, is more accurately described as color vision deficiency (CVD). While most people think of it as an inherent condition, it can also develop after birth due to various factors. This article explores the causes and conditions related to color blindness and perceptions.

Understanding Color Blindness

Color blindness is primarily genetic, often referred to as color vision deficiency (CVD). This condition is typically due to a failure in the cones of the retina, which are responsible for detecting colors. In some rare cases, people may become colorblind after birth, but these instances are extremely uncommon. For instance, I have only seen one potential case in my 35-year career, and the individual was too young for a definitive diagnosis.

Types of Color Deficiency

Most people refer to color blindness as the inability to distinguish certain colors. However, this is more accurately called color vision deficiency. In true color blindness, individuals can only see shades of black and white, a condition known as achromatopsia, which is very rare.

Color vision deficiency is often hereditary and results from gene mutations affecting the cones in the retina. Males are more likely to be affected due to the X-linked inheritance pattern. Other factors such as diseases, damage to the retina, optic nerve, or the brain's visual processing areas can also cause color vision issues. Certain medications can also interfere with color differentiation to varying degrees.

Causes of Acquired Color Deficiency

Yes, you can develop the inability to distinguish colors later in life due to various factors:

Disease: Conditions such as glaucoma, diabetes, or macular degeneration can damage the retina, affecting color vision. Physical Trauma: Severe eye injuries can impair the retinal cones and affect color perception. Drug Use: Both legal and illegal drugs can affect the ability to differentiate between colors, particularly those with sedative or hallucinogenic effects. Medications: Some pharmaceuticals can cause color vision changes or disturbances.

For example, the common form of color deficiency, red-green color blindness, is often genetic and can only be diagnosed at birth. However, acquired conditions affecting color perception can stem from various medical conditions that are not genetic in origin.

Discovering Color Deficiency Later in Life

Understanding color deficiency is sometimes a journey of self-discovery. Many individuals are unaware they have color vision deficiency until something brings it to their attention. Similarly, conditions like aphantopsia or aphantasia, where one cannot form mental visual images, can go unnoticed until someone points it out. I discovered the concept of mental imagery during my teenage years when I realized that there were people who could form pictures in their minds—a realization that was both enlightening and affirming.

Overall, while color blindness is often an inherent condition, a range of factors can lead to its development after birth. Awareness and understanding of these conditions are crucial for those affected.