Seniors and Colorblindness

Commentary

I have an article in the December, 2006 issue of The American Legion magazine. Since that article was published, I have heard from five men whose lives were touched by colorblineness.

Acquired Color Vision Deficiencies

Aging can produce subtle changes in color vision. The most common color change results from the development of cataracts, or “foggy” lenses in the eye, which interfere with visual acuity and color vision, making some colors dull, especially blue and yellow. After having cataract surgery where a foggy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens, people commonly comment that everything appears more colorful.

Seniors are also more likely to take medications that may distort or reduce color vision. Blue-yellow color vision can be altered by certain medications used in seizure control and other medications used to treat heart ailments and arthritis. Aspirin and quinine can affect red-red color vision, as can some drugs used in the treatment of psychosis. Rarely, color vision may be adversely affected by trauma, such as a blow on the head.

Acquired color vision deficiencies can sometimes be medically treated.

Senior men with colorblindness often have a grandson with the same condition.

Celebrities Who are Colorblind

Many celebrities have color vision deficiency (CVD) or colorblindness, including Bill Clinton and Bob Dole. During their debates, colors normally used had to be altered. Also affected are Matt Laurer, Paul Newman, Jack Nicklaus and the late Bing Crosby.

People who are Colorblind and Occupations

Many people with colorblindness find minor annoyances in the work place just as they do in other situations. Other people may discover they're not suited to a particular occupation.

For instance, agricultural workers, especially those who pick and sort produce, may find they have difficulty. Artists who can't tell one color from another will have difficulty. Photographers who need to take pictures in color will have a problem, as will electrical workers who need to sort by color.

In many other occupations, people will have difficulties; however, different policies lead to a lack of uniformity in hiring within the same occupation. For instance, law inforcement. Some areas have strict requirements whereas others may be more lax. What can be done about this?