What is the most common color deficiency in the US?

Deuteranomaly is the most prevalent form of color deficiency in the United States, affecting a significant portion of the male population. It is characterized by a reduced sensitivity to green light due to a mutation in the gene responsible for the green photopigment in the cones of the retina. This condition leads to difficulties distinguishing between green and certain shades of red, often causing confusion between these colors in various contexts.

The higher frequency of deuteranomaly compared to other forms of color deficiencies can be attributed to its X-linked inheritance pattern, which affects males disproportionately; females have a second X chromosome that can compensate for the defective gene. This genetic mechanism explains why deuteranomaly is more commonly observed than other types such as protanomaly, protanopia, or deuteranopia, which, while also impacting color vision, occur with less frequency in the general population. Understanding the prevalence of deuteranomaly helps in designing strategies for identifying and accommodating individuals with color vision deficiencies in educational and occupational settings.