If you have color blindness, it means that you see colors differently from most people. Usually color blindness makes it difficult to tell the difference between certain colors.

Most of the time, color blindness runs in families. There is no cure, but special glasses and contact lenses can help. Most people who are color blind can adapt and have no problems with everyday activities.

The most common form of color blindness makes it difficult to tell the difference between red and green. Another type makes it difficult to tell the difference between blue and yellow. People who are completely color blind don't see any color at all, but that's not very common.

The main symptom of color blindness is not seeing colors the way most people do. If you are color blind you may have trouble seeing:

• The difference between colors
• How bright colors are
• Different shades of colors

Symptoms of color blindness are often so mild that you may not notice them. And as we get used to the way we see colors, many people with color blindness don't know they have it.

People with very severe cases of color blindness may also have other symptoms, such as rapid side-by-side eye movements (nystagmus) or sensitivity to light.

Men are at a much higher risk of color blindness than women. You are also more likely to be color blind if you:

• Have a family history of color blindness
• Have certain eye conditions, such as glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
• Have certain health conditions, such as diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, or multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Take certain medications
• Are white

If you think you have color blindness, talk to your doctor about a checkup.

The most common types of color blindness are genetic, meaning they are passed on from parents.

Color blindness can also occur from damage to your eyes or brain. And seeing colors can get worse with age - often as a result of cataracts (cloudy areas in the lens of the eye).