Colour Vision Deficiency (Colour Blindness) in Grand Rapids, Michigan

People with colour vision deficiency have difficulty seeing some colours or see them differently than most people. This condition is often inherited and affects more males than females. In a typical classroom in Grand Rapids, 1–2 out of every 20 boys may have some level of colour vision problem.

The term colour vision deficiency is more accurate than “colour blindness.” Most people with colour vision deficiency can still see many colours and have normal sharpness of vision (visual acuity). In the most common type, people have trouble seeing the red and green components of colours and may confuse:

  • Red and green with each other
  • Red or green with yellow

This can affect everyday activities, from reading colour‑coded school materials to interpreting traffic lights—especially during West Michigan’s dark, snowy evenings when visibility is already reduced.

How the Eye Sees Colour

Rod and Cone Cells in the Retina

At the back of the eye is the retina, which contains two main types of light‑sensitive cells:

  • Rod cells – very sensitive to low light

    • Used for night vision and seeing in dim light
    • See in shades of black, white and grey
    • There is only one type of rod cell

  • Cone cells – work in brighter light

    • Allow us to see fine detail
    • Responsible for colour vision

Three Types of Cone Cells

Normally, there are three types of cone cells, each sensitive to different wavelengths of light:

  • Long wavelength – red
  • Medium wavelength – green
  • Short wavelength – blue

The brain compares the signals from these three cone types to create the full range of colours most people see.

Someone with colour vision deficiency:

  • May be missing one type of cone
  • May have cones that do not work properly
  • May have altered cone function due to genetic changes or eye disease

Symptoms of Colour Vision Deficiency in Children

In Grand Rapids, colour vision issues are often first noticed when children start school or preschool and begin learning colours.

Signs your child may have a colour vision difficulty include:

  • Trouble recognising or naming common colours (for example, calling red objects “brown” or “dark”)
  • Difficulty sorting or matching objects by colour (blocks, crayons, markers)
  • Confusion with colour‑coded charts, maps, or classroom materials
  • Problems following colour‑based instructions (e.g., “circle the red shape”)

Because colour vision deficiency is usually genetic, it may run in families. If a parent or close relative in your family has colour vision deficiency, your child may have a higher chance of having it as well.

Genetic Causes of Colour Vision Deficiency

Red–Green Colour Vision Deficiency

The most common inherited type is red–green colour vision deficiency. It affects:

  • About 8% of males
  • About 0.4% of females

This difference is because the main genes involved (called OPN1LW and OPN1MW) are located on the X chromosome (sex‑linked):

  • Males have one X and one Y chromosome. If their single X chromosome carries a changed (non‑working) gene, they will have red–green colour vision deficiency.
  • Females have two X chromosomes. If one X has a non‑working gene but the other X has a working copy, they usually have normal colour vision.

Blue–Yellow Colour Vision Deficiency

Changes in the OPN1SW gene cause blue–yellow colour vision deficiency. This type makes it difficult to:

  • Tell the difference between shades of blue and green
  • Recognise yellow, which may appear violet/grey or pink depending on the exact gene change

Blue–yellow colour vision deficiency is rare, affecting about 1 in 10,000 people, and:

  • Affects males and females equally, because OPN1SW is on a non‑sex chromosome

Non‑Inherited (Acquired) Colour Vision Deficiency

Colour vision deficiency is not always inherited. It can develop later in life due to:

  • Eye diseases, such as:
    • Macular degeneration
    • Glaucoma
    • Retinitis pigmentosa
  • Systemic diseases, including:
    • Diabetes
    • Alzheimer’s disease
    • Leukaemia
    • Liver disease
    • Chronic alcoholism
    • Multiple sclerosis
    • Parkinson’s disease
    • Sickle cell anaemia
  • Trauma to the eye or brain
  • Exposure to toxins or certain medications

In Grand Rapids and across Michigan, where chronic conditions like diabetes and age‑related eye disease are common, regular eye exams are important to detect changes in colour vision over time—especially in older adults.

Everyday Challenges of Colour Vision Deficiency

Many daily tasks rely on colour, including:

  • Reading colour‑coded schoolwork or charts
  • Identifying ripe fruit or cooked meat
  • Choosing matching clothes
  • Reading coloured lines on transit maps or charts
  • Recognising warning labels or hazard signs

Varying Degrees of Colour Vision Deficiency

Colour vision deficiency can range from mild to severe. What a person can see depends on:

  • How many cone types are affected
  • The brightness (intensity) of the light
  • The size of the coloured object

If a person cannot rely on colour differences, they often use other cues, such as:

  • Position (e.g., the order of traffic lights)
  • Shape or pattern
  • Labels or text

Driving and Colour Vision Deficiency in Michigan

In Michigan, including Grand Rapids, most people with red–green colour vision deficiency are still able to obtain:

  • A standard car or motorcycle licence
  • Many types of commercial driver licences, depending on specific vision requirements

However:

  • People with significantly reduced contrast sensitivity or other vision problems may have restrictions, such as no night driving.
  • Dark, snowy winter evenings and wet roads in West Michigan can make it harder to distinguish traffic lights and brake lights, especially for those with colour vision issues.

Health professionals in Grand Rapids often advise drivers with colour vision deficiency to:

  • Learn to rely on the position of traffic lights (red on top, green on bottom)
  • Be extra cautious in poor weather conditions (snow, fog, heavy rain)
  • Allow more time and distance to react to brake lights and signals

Most people with colour vision deficiency can still tell the difference between modern red and green traffic lights, especially when they know the standard layout.

Occupations Affected by Colour Vision Deficiency

Colour vision deficiency can limit access to certain jobs that require accurate colour recognition, such as:

  • Police and some public safety roles
  • Certain maritime and shipping roles
  • Many positions in the defence forces
  • Pilots and some aviation roles
  • Electricians and jobs involving colour‑coded wiring

If you live in the Grand Rapids area and are considering a career that may have colour vision requirements:

  • Ask the employer, recruiter, or training program about their colour vision standards
  • Have a formal colour vision test with an ophthalmologist or optometrist
  • Request written information about which roles are suitable for people with colour vision deficiency

Colour Vision Deficiency and School in Grand Rapids

In local Grand Rapids schools, colour‑based activities are common in early grades. Children with colour vision deficiency may:

  • Struggle with colour‑coded charts, graphs, and classroom labels
  • Have difficulty following instructions based on colour (“use the green marker”)
  • Feel frustrated or “behind” classmates if the issue is not recognised

It is often recommended that all children, especially boys, have a routine colour vision check in the early school years.

Teachers and school staff can help by:

  • Avoiding reliance on colour alone (use labels, patterns, or shapes)
  • Ensuring important information is also presented in text or symbols
  • Seating the child where lighting is good, especially during darker winter months common in West Michigan

Diagnosis of Colour Vision Deficiency in Grand Rapids, MI

Colour vision testing can be done by:

  • Ophthalmologists (eye specialists)
  • Optometrists (eye care professionals)
  • Some school health services and community clinics

Common tests use specially designed charts (such as Ishihara plates) made up of coloured dots that form numbers or shapes.

If colour vision deficiency is found, additional testing may be done to:

  • Determine the type (red–green, blue–yellow, or other)
  • Assess the severity
  • Identify whether it is likely inherited or acquired

In Grand Rapids, you can ask for colour vision testing at:

  • Spectrum Health and Trinity Health Grand Rapids eye clinics
  • Metro Health and Mercy Health affiliated eye care centres
  • Local optometry practices throughout Kent County

Treatment and Management

Is There a Cure?

There is currently no cure for inherited colour vision deficiency. However:

  • Most people adapt well and have few limitations in daily life.
  • Many individuals do not discover they have colour vision deficiency until adolescence or adulthood.

Practical Strategies

People in Grand Rapids with colour vision deficiency often manage by:

  • Using non‑colour cues (position, shape, labels)
  • Asking others to confirm colours when needed (e.g., clothing choices)
  • Using apps or smartphone tools that can identify colours from photos
  • Organising clothing and household items in a consistent way (e.g., labels or patterns)

Some special lenses or filters are marketed to “correct” colour blindness. While they may enhance contrast for some people, they do not restore normal colour vision and may not be suitable for all tasks, especially where safety is involved.

Genetic Counselling for Colour Vision Deficiency in Michigan

If colour vision deficiency runs in your family, or if you or your child has been diagnosed, you may find it helpful to speak with a genetic counsellor.

Genetic counsellors:

  • Are trained in both genetics and counselling
  • Explain how colour vision deficiency is inherited
  • Discuss your chance of passing it on to children
  • Help you understand what a diagnosis means for health, development, and career planning
  • Provide support that is sensitive to your family circumstances, culture, and beliefs

You might consider genetic counselling if:

  • You are planning a family and colour vision deficiency is present in relatives
  • More than one family member has unexplained colour vision problems
  • You want to understand genetic testing options for you or your children

In Michigan, organisations such as the Genetic Support Network of Michigan (GSNM) can provide information and connect you with other families affected by genetic conditions, including colour vision deficiency.

Local Resources in Grand Rapids, MI

If you are concerned about colour vision for yourself or your child, you can start with:

  • Your GP (primary care doctor) – for initial assessment and referrals
  • Ophthalmologist – for detailed eye and retina evaluation
  • Optometrist – for routine eye exams and colour vision testing
  • Grand Rapids Public Health / Kent County Health Department – for information on local vision screening programs and children’s health services

Major healthcare systems in the Grand Rapids area that can help coordinate care include:

  • Spectrum Health
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • Metro Health
  • Mercy Health

Be sure to ask specifically for colour vision testing if you have concerns.

Key Points About Colour Vision Deficiency

  • In the most common form of colour vision deficiency, people cannot see the red and green components of colours normally.
  • Colour vision deficiency is most commonly genetic and more frequent in males.
  • Red–green colour vision deficiency is the most common inherited type.
  • Changes in the OPN1SW gene cause blue–yellow colour vision deficiency, which is rare.
  • Blue–yellow colour vision deficiency affects males and females equally because the gene is on a non‑sex chromosome.
  • Most people with colour vision deficiency in Grand Rapids can lead normal lives, drive, attend school, and work, especially when they and those around them understand the condition and make simple adjustments.