Tetracromatism lets up to 12% of women perceive extra colors

A genetic variant on the X chromosome can give roughly 12% of women a fourth type of cone cell in the retina, a condition known as tetracromatism. This extra cone potentially expands the range of colors they can see.

Australian artist Concetta Antico discovered the condition when her students could not perceive the subtle hues she described. Scientific studies, including work by the University of Newcastle in the United Kingdom, have confirmed her tetracromatic vision and highlighted the difficulty of testing the phenomenon, as standard eye exams do not detect the additional cone.

Researchers note that while the genetic potential exists, the brain must also process the extra information for the expanded perception to be realized. Ongoing investigations aim to better understand how the fourth cone influences visual experience.