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Color blindness results from the absence or insufficiency of specific pigment molecules in the photoreceptor cells of the eye. It is most often a hereditary condition caused by an X-linked recessive gene. Due to this mode of genetic transmission, the inheritance of color blindness from parents to children differs by sex:
* Daughters (XX) of a non-colorblind male (XY), although not colorblind themselves, are usually carriers.
* 50% of sons (XY) born to a carrier female (XCXc) are expected to be colorblind.
* All sons (XY) born to a colorblind mother (XcXc) will be colorblind.
* If the father is colorblind (XcY) and the mother is a carrier (XCXc), every child born will have a 50% chance of being colorblind.
In addition to genetic factors, other factors such as macular degeneration, optic neuritis, head injuries, systemic diseases causing nerve damage, heavy metal poisoning, and certain medications can also lead to color blindness.
Why does color blindness occur?
* Daughters (XX) of a non-colorblind male (XY), although not colorblind themselves, are usually carriers.
* 50% of sons (XY) born to a carrier female (XCXc) are expected to be colorblind.
* All sons (XY) born to a colorblind mother (XcXc) will be colorblind.
* If the father is colorblind (XcY) and the mother is a carrier (XCXc), every child born will have a 50% chance of being colorblind.
In addition to genetic factors, other factors such as macular degeneration, optic neuritis, head injuries, systemic diseases causing nerve damage, heavy metal poisoning, and certain medications can also lead to color blindness.