ALEXANDRIA, VA – Many perceive living with a vision deficiency as a scenario without any benefits. Whether it was genetically inherited or acquired through disease or old age, many people categorize color blindness as a disability. However, there are a few hidden benefits of being colorblind that normal-sighted people can’t experience.
What Is Color Blindness?
Colorblindness occurs when the color-related cones in the retina overlap. These cones are responsible for processing wavelengths. When overlap happens, the brain cannot accurately respond to the wavelengths, making it impossible to differentiate or even see certain colors.
There are manydifferent types of color blindness, and they differ based on how individuals perceive color. One of the most common is dichromatism, often referred to as red-green color blindness. This deficiency makes it difficult to see red or green pigments, and makes it hard for people to discern similar hues like orange and brown. To many people with color-blindness, specific colors can appear similar or the same.
The Hidden Benefits of Being Color Blind
Red-green color blindness can give people certain advantages over normal-sighted individuals. For example, those with this vision deficiency can better distinguish textures and patterns.
A hunter might be better equipped to detect camouflaged prey in nature due to their ability to see the subtle changes in texture. Even jobs in the fashion industry, graphic design, or visual arts fields can prove fruitful for someone with color blindness. Color often plays a large role in these positions, but someone with a discerning eye can make a big difference when examining varying patterns and textures for new designs or pieces.
Coming to terms with a vision deficiency can be difficult for those with color blindness, but it shouldn’t be considered a disabling characteristic. Living with colorblindness has its own unique benefits of which to take advantage.
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Red-green color blindness can give people certain advantages over normal-sighted individuals. For example, those with this vision deficiency can better distinguish textures and patterns. A hunter might be better equipped to detect camouflaged prey in nature due to their ability to see the subtle changes in texture.
What are 3 interesting facts about color blindness? ›
Did you know?
- Everyone sees color a little differently — including people who don't have color vision deficiency.
- About 1 in 12 men have color vision deficiency.
- Most people with color vision deficiency are born with it, but sometimes it doesn't show up until later in life.
Outlines, rather than colors, are responsible for pattern recognition. In the military, colorblind snipers and spotters are highly valued for these reasons. During the Second World War, it was suggested that color-deficient observers could often penetrate camouflage that deceived the normal observer.
Is Keanu Reeves colorblind? ›
Best known for his roles in Speed and The Matrix, Canadian actor Keanu Reeves is reportedly color blind.
Are there benefits to being blind? ›
People who are blind or partially sighted are very adaptive, innovative, resourceful, and creative.
What does a fully colorblind person see? ›
Rod monochromacy or achromatopsia: With this color blindness, people are unable to differentiate any color. They can only see black, white, and shades of grey. This type of color blindness also causes severe light sensitivity. While this is the most severe, it is the most common type of complete color blindness.
Can you be in the FBI if you're color blind? ›
The policy for color vision allows continuation of applicant processing if those who fail initial color vision screening are able to successfully complete the Farnsworth D-15 color vision test. For more information, see our special agent physical requirements page.
Can Navy Seals be color blind? ›
Upon joining the Navy, you must: Meet specific eyesight requirements: 20/40 best eye; 20/70 worst eye; correctable to 20/25 with no color blindness. Be 28 years of age or younger. Pass a physical examination required for divers.
Will the military take you if you are color blind? ›
While not every Army job may be open for the color blind, they can still join the U.S. Army and enjoy a military career. Whether you're fully color blind or partially color blind, you can serve in the United States Army.
Which US president was color blind? ›
Zachary Taylor, our 12th President, suffered from Diplopia (Double Vision). James Buchanan and Woodrow Wilson, our 15th and 28th Presidents respectively, suffered from eye twitches. Abraham Lincoln, our 16th President, was color blind and had Strabismus (an eye muscle disorder that results in an eye turn).
Famous Color Blind People
- Prince William - Prince of England, Duke of Cambridge.
- Meat Loaf - American musician.
- Mark Zuckerberg - Facebook CEO and founder.
- Christopher Nolan - English director.
- Fred Rogers - American television actor, host of Mr. ...
- Bing Crosby - American musician.
- Chris Rogers - Australian cricketer.
There are different types of colour blindness and in extremely rare cases people are unable to see any colour at all, but most colour blind people are unable to fully 'see' red, green or blue light.
What are the advantages of color vision? ›
While differences in luminance are often sufficient to distinguish objects, color adds another perceptual dimension that is especially useful when differences in luminance are subtle or nonexistent. Color obviously gives us a quite different way of perceiving and describing the world we live in.
Do colorblind people have better night vision? ›
The night vision of daltonians may be enhanced by an alteration in cone–rod interaction, either because an active inhibition of rods by cones is reduced or because there is less noise originating in dark-adapted cones.
What are the cons of being color blind? ›
Colour blind people can also find themselves in trouble because they haven't properly understood information in the workplace or not noticed themselves/their child getting sunburnt. Colour blindness can affect access to education, exam grades, career choice and career progression.
Do colorblind people get disability? ›
Does the ADA protect color blindness as a disability? Colorblindness will most likely be considered a disability under Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”). The ADA considers a condition to be a disability if it substantially limits a major life activity, such as seeing, learning, or working.
