Living with Blue color blindness
An extremely rare inherited condition in which blue colors are hard to see.
Understanding Blue color blindness
It is present from newborn and infant years. Color vision tests are abnormal. Some people may also have less clear vision, light sensitivity, or rhythmic eye movements.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Trouble telling blue and yellow apart
- Abnormal color vision test
- Changes in the retina
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include eye disease specialists and genetic specialists.
- 3Consider genetic testing
Changes in OPN1SW are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Eye disease specialists (ophthalmologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Prevent Blindness America
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
Changes in the OPN1SW gene cause this condition. It is autosomal dominant, so one changed copy of the gene is enough.
Also known as: blue colorblindness; blue colour blindness; blue yellow color blindness; blue yellow colour blindness; blue-yellow dyschromatopsia; blue/yellow color vision defect
Patient organizations
- Prevent Blindness AmericaBlue color blindness · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Blue color blindness.
Explore research for Blue color blindness
Explore actively recruiting Blue color blindness studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Blue color blindness with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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