Gene therapy has partly restored the function of the retina's cone receptors in two children who were born completely colourblind, reports a new study led by UCL researchers.

Scientists leading these trials reported in 2022 in Brain that two treated pediatric participants had experienced improved cone function and cone-supported vision. The clinical trials continue and may lead to future opportunities to test the safety and effectiveness of gene therapies for other forms of color blindness.

There is no treatment for congenital color blindness. It usually does not cause any significant disability. However, there are special contact lenses and glasses that may help.

For example, wearing a red contact lens or red-tinted glasses could help better distinguish colors. For some people, laser eye surgery could resolve the problem, as with cataracts. By removing cataracts, vision and colors are restored. While there is no cure currently for color blindness, new research is ongoing.