There are various conditions that can make it hard to distinguish the difference between certain colors. In some cases there is a complete loss of color vision, called color blindness. In other cases it becomes difficult to tell the difference between red and purple, green and purple, blue and green, red and green, and yellow and green. Simple color vision tests can be used to help detect this problem in order properly diagnose color changes in vision.
Genetics
Color blindness or difficulty distinguishing between certain colors, is often due to an inherited genetic defect, states Genetics Home Reference, a website from the National Library of Medicine. The genes that may be affected include CNGA3, CNGB3, GNAT2, OPN1LW, OPN1MW and OPN1SW. The retina of the eye contains cells called cones that help the eye to recognize certain colors. The above genes make pigments for the cones, which are sensitive to certain colors. The gene(s) affected will determine which colors the eye will have trouble seeing. This condition can be minor and cause just a slight loss of color vision, or be severe with a total loss of color vision. Color vision deficiencies are more common in men than in women.
Medical Conditions
Chronic medical conditions that can cause problems with the eyes can also contribute to a loss of ability to see colors correctly. This includes diabetes, glaucoma, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's, macular degeneration and some forms of cancer. In addition, certain medications to treat these conditions, or manage heart disease and psychological disorders, can also cause loss of color vision as a side effect, warns the American Optometric Association.
Age
Normal age-related changes to the eye can cause a loss of the ability to see color. The Prevent Blindness America website states that with age, the lens portion of the eye can become yellow or dark. This can make it challenging to see dark colors such as shades of blue. Unfortunately, there is no cure for color vision deficiencies; however, special tinted glasses may help some patients.
Exposure to Chemicals
Working in a job that exposes an individual to certain chemicals--such as styrene, carbon disulphide, perchloroethylene, fertilizers, n-hexane, solvent mixtures, organic mercury and inorganic mercury--may cause color vision deficiencies, claims the National Center for Biotechnology Information. Much more research is needed to determine the level of exposure that can cause visual problems.
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