Color blindness is usually caused by an inherited trait. Color blindness may also be caused by some medications or by normal aging of the lens of the eye. Disorders of the retina of the eye, or of the optic nerve from the eye to the brain, may also interfere with color perception. In general, there is no way to prevent color blindness. Regular eye exams and prompt treatment of eye disorders may help prevent some cases of color blindness.
Color blindness is usually self-diagnosed.
Achromatopsia may not be uncovered until a child is 3 to 5 years old. To confirm the self-diagnosis, the healthcare provider usually performs a color test. Common tests include the HRR pseudoisochromatic plates or the Ishihara plates. The diagnosis of achromatopsia is sometimes determined by performing an electric eye test. This test is called an electroretinograph.