Living with colour blindness is often a journey of adapting and explaining, but what’s most challenging isn’t the condition itself – it’s the misconceptions that others have about it. For many, the frustration stems not from what we can’t see, but from what others assume about us and our experiences.
First, let’s address the most common misunderstanding: “Do you see everything in black and white?” While some types of colour blindness are more severe than others, the vast majority of us do see colour, just not in the same way as everyone else. For example, red-green colour blindness doesn’t mean these colours are invisible; it often means they blend together or appear muted. Explaining this over and over can feel like trying to describe the concept of colour itself: words can only do so much.
Another misconception is that colour blindness is a rare and unusual condition. In reality, it affects approximately 8% of men and 0.5% of women globally. Despite this, there’s still a lack of awareness, which can lead to awkward moments. Think about how many times someone has said, “Why can’t you just tell which one is red?” or, worse, “Are you sure you’re colour blind?”
These moments of misunderstanding often come with unintended judgement. At work, for instance, tasks involving colour-coded charts or design choices can become unnecessarily complicated. When you ask for help or an alternative, you risk being seen as difficult or overly dependent. Meanwhile, in social settings, the well-meaning friend who insists on testing your colour blindness with, “What colour is this?” doesn’t realise how tiresome and even embarrassing it can be.
But perhaps the most frustrating aspect of these misunderstandings is the assumption that colour blindness isn’t a big deal. While it’s true that many of us have adapted and don’t dwell on it daily, there are moments when it profoundly affects our lives. Whether it’s struggling to identify whether food is cooked properly, deciphering traffic lights in unfamiliar layouts, or even feeling excluded from conversations about “breathtaking” sunsets, colour blindness can create real, if subtle, obstacles.
So, how do we deal with the frustration? The key lies in education and advocacy. Explaining colour blindness to others may be repetitive, but it’s necessary. By helping people understand the nuances of the condition, we can slowly break down the stereotypes and assumptions. For example, sharing resources or encouraging others to try simulations that mimic colour blindness can be eye-opening for those who’ve never considered what it’s like.
It’s also important to practice patience and self-compassion. Frustration is natural, but it’s equally vital to remind ourselves that most misunderstandings aren’t malicious. People are often curious, not dismissive, even if their questions or comments come across poorly.
Finally, tools like iRo lenses, coupled with education and understanding, offer new possibilities. They not only help colour blind individuals navigate certain challenges but also provide an opportunity to educate others by demonstrating what it’s like to see the world differently.
Dealing with frustration over colour blindness misunderstandings is about finding balance: educating others while also prioritising our own peace of mind. With persistence and the right tools, we can transform those moments of frustration into opportunities for connection and understanding.
