Color blindness awareness and diagnostic challenges

Color blindness often goes unnoticed for years because individuals may lack a reference point to compare their color perception with others. According to data from the Martínez de Carneros Ophthalmological Clinic, between 30% and 40% of diagnosed patients were unaware of the condition before seeking medical consultation.

World Color Blindness Day, observed on September 6, highlights the prevalence of this ocular condition. It affects men more frequently, occurring in one out of every 12 men, compared to one in 200 women. While typically identified during childhood or adolescence, diagnosis often occurs between the ages of 15 and 20, sometimes discovered incidentally during routine eye exams.

Dr. Diego Martínez de Carneros explains that color blindness does not necessarily mean an inability to see colors, but rather that certain hues may be perceived differently or be difficult to differentiate. Red-green color vision deficiencies are the most common types.