How To Manage Being Color Blind

Color blindness is a term used to describe various forms of color vision deficiencies. Individuals with the condition have problems with cells in the retina that detect color. These cells are called cones, and they contain the pigments that allow everyone to see color. Color deficiency or color blindness is the result of a missing or malfunctioning pigment(s). Patients with color deficiencies don’t see certain colors in the same way most individuals see them. These deficiencies diminish the patient's ability to see colors or distinguish between two colors. Some individuals may not see color at all, which is a condition known as achromatopsia or total color blindness. Cataracts, genetics, or age can cause color blindness. It can also be caused by damage to the eye, optic nerve, or areas of the brain that process color. The most common forms of color blindness are hereditary and include red-green color blindness or blue-yellow color blindness. Sufferers are unable to see shades of these colors. Most patients who are colorblind can adapt. Learn how now.

Focus On Lighting In The Home And Office

Color blindness can cause poor vision in addition to problems with colors. Individuals who are color blind, at least to some extent, should focus on lighting in the home and office to combat these issues and ensure the optimum setting for every area. Lots of bright, natural light is ideal, but too much glare can defeat the purpose. It's best to watch television in a lighted room, but patients have to be careful of the placement of lights, as reflections on the television screen may cause glare. Dimmer switches can help individuals control the amount of light in the various rooms. Hallways and stairs should have sufficient amounts of light for individuals with poor vision to safely move. Light timers are also helpful in areas like entrances and exits. Install swivel lamps for direct placement of light where individuals need it. Kitchen and work areas can be outfitted with lighting where individuals are most active. They should ensure their light switches stand out by using lighted switch plates or contrasting colors.

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Clothing Labeling And Organization

Clothing labeling and organization can make life a lot easier for individuals with color vision deficiencies. Organizing and sorting systems like different sizes or shapes of containers can help patients gain independence and manage their daily routine. Some useful techniques include grouping similar clothing or matching outfits together. Individuals can group other items by color, and use different sizes and shapes of containers so they can put outfits together with ease. Boxes that are normally discarded can be used to store small items like socks, gloves, underwear, or scarves. Individuals who have very poor vision can identify clothing by texture or features like button design. Being consistent by doing things the same way or keeping things in a certain place and always returning them there is very beneficial. A friend or family member can help patients with color blindness label and organize their clothing until they’ve mastered a system.

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Wear Special Glasses

Wear special glasses to enhance color perception. Color-corrective glasses are made with colored or red-tinted lenses to improve certain wavelengths of light and allow color deficient patients to see a better separation of colors. They work by filtering out certain wavelengths of light. These lenses are especially useful for individuals with red-green color blindness, but they can also make it more difficult to distinguish other colors. These glasses work best in certain lighting conditions and are also available in contacts or sunglasses. Patients should check with their optometrist to find out if these lenses may be an option. They are available through a select number of eye care practitioners, so they may need a referral.

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Change Settings On Electronics

Many different types of applications have been developed to help colorblind patients deal with the unique issues they face. They can change settings on electronics in many cases to view colors in a better way. These options include software with color filters they can turn on or off to adjust the spectrum. Other features and settings can help individuals distinguish between colors if they have red-green or blue-yellow color blindness. Cues like shapes or sounds can be used to differentiate items without colors. Smartphones have settings like color filters and color correction to help users tell colors apart. Many phones also have a greyscale option for rare types of color vision deficiency and other settings for individuals with diminished vision. Changing the font of text to a larger size can also be helpful for patients with poor vision. The text-to-speech feature may be useful as well. Apps are also available for colorblind individuals to experience a more accurate color display while watching television. The app automatically adjusts the appropriate settings based on a test of the individual's visual color spectrum.

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Ask For Assistance

Individuals with poor vision or those who are unable to see all shades of color because of color blindness may have to ask for assistance in many areas of life. Children who are colorblind will need help completing tasks and assignments because of its effect on their vision. They can (or their parents can) ask teachers to use black ink or markers on white surfaces and white chalk on blackboards. Labels, patterns, or other identifying techniques can be used for tasks involving colors, such as arts and crafts. Children with vision problems should be seated front and center in classrooms for the best possible view. Help in the workplace for colorblind individuals can come from a manager or coworkers by communicating how the condition affects duties and what is needed to correct it. There are some settings on computers and software designed specifically to deal with issues encountered by colorblind patients in the workplace. Many online groups have been created to share advice and tips on how to deal with common issues. Shopping for food, clothes, and other items can be done online or with a smartphone app, but individuals will more than likely need assistance from family members, friends, or salespeople to help them pick the right items or organize them at home for better functionality.