What condition does "color blindness" refer to?

"Color blindness" primarily refers to a genetic condition that affects the perception of colors. This condition is often caused by mutations in the genes responsible for the development of photopigments in the cones of the retina, which are responsible for detecting different wavelengths of light corresponding to different colors. Most commonly, individuals affected by color blindness have difficulty distinguishing between certain colors, such as red and green or blue and yellow, due to the absence or malfunction of specific types of cone cells.

The hereditary nature of this condition means it is typically passed down through generations, frequently affecting males more than females due to its association with the X chromosome. Understanding color blindness as a genetic condition helps clarify its implications for various activities, including certain professions that require accurate color perception.