When people think of colourblindness, gender rarely enters the conversation—but it should. Not only is colour vision deficiency more common in males (around 1 in 12), but traditional gender roles and expectations can also shape how individuals experience and respond to their diagnosis.
From childhood, colour is tied closely to gender. Pink for girls, blue for boys. Brightly coloured toys, clothes, and books are often marketed with strong visual cues. For children with colourblindness, navigating these expectations can be confusing or frustrating—especially if they’re told they’ve picked the “wrong” colour or misidentified something in a way that draws unwanted attention.
Masculinity, stigma, and silence.
Because colourblindness is far more common in males, boys are often the first to face teasing or embarrassment in the classroom. They may misread a colour-coded chart, struggle with art assignments, or mismatch clothing—then be laughed at or told they’re not paying attention. Instead of seeking help, some boys learn to stay quiet, adapt silently, or avoid colour-based tasks altogether.
Cultural norms around masculinity can make it harder to admit difficulty or ask for support. Over time, this can lead to feelings of shame or underconfidence—not because of the condition itself, but because of the way society responds to it.
Women and underdiagnosis
On the flip side, colour vision deficiency is often overlooked in females. Around 1 in 200 women have it, but because it’s less expected, it may not be picked up early—or at all. Girls may find themselves labelled as inattentive or forgetful for making colour-based mistakes,
without anyone realising there’s a genuine reason behind it.
Additionally, the stereotype that women are naturally more attuned to colour (used in everything from fashion commentary to workplace assumptions) can make it even harder for colourblind women to speak up. They might feel they’re “not supposed” to have difficulty,
and as a result, may keep it to themselves.
Unpacking expectations and supporting everyone
Navigating gender roles and colourblindness means recognising how deeply cultural norms affect how the condition is perceived and experienced. Whether it’s a teenage boy
embarrassed to admit he can’t tell if his tie matches, or a young girl who quietly avoids colouring-in tasks at school, support needs to be empathetic, inclusive, and free from stereotypes.
That begins with proper identification. The iRo Lens testing kit provides a quick, easy way to test for different types of colour vision deficiency from home—no clinic visit needed, no assumptions made. Whether you are exploring colourblindness for yourself or a loved one,
getting accurate insight can be the first step toward greater confidence and clarity.
Breaking down gender expectations doesn’t just benefit those with colour vision deficiency—it benefits everyone. It creates space for honesty, support, and practical solutions, regardless of who you are or how you see the world.
