APRIL 2014

FEATURE

11

CAN YOU

SEE
WHAT I
SEE?

Regan cannot differentiate between

similar shades of color, often confusing
blues for greens and so on.

Test Yourself
Are

you colorbli

nd
?

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIPEDIA

Aspirations and dreams are common
for high school students to have, but those
with colorblindness are limited in their career
options. I can never be a pilot because
you have to be able to tell what color the
runway lights are, Regan said. Luckily, he
doesnt have any interest in becoming a pilot.

Unfortunately even with todays
advanced technology, there is not yet a cure for
colorblindness. Some cases are very severe and
drastically hinder a persons daily life. Regans
case, however, isnt too severe, but is still quite
rare. In a nearly colorless world, keeping your
eye on the prize is the only source of redemption.

Can you read the above number? If not, you

may possess a case of colorblindness.

PAGE DESIGN BY NEEKA EGHBALI

ne in every 12 men have the incurable

condition of colorblindness, a genetically
inherited trait. Of these men, even fewer
have the inability to distinguish similar shades of
color. In a world containing an infinite spectrum
of colors, those who suffer from colorblindness
are visionless to the vibrancy of color.

Junior Nick Regan is part of the 8
percent of individuals who are colorblind.
Regan copes with a rare case of colorblindness in
which he cannot differentiate similar shades of
color. I have a weird case, so for me its similar
colors. Shades trip me up, so like dark blues and
purples, light green and light yellow, oranges
and reds, he said. Living with colorblindness
does not severely affect Regans day-to-day life.

His condition, however, does
occasionally interfere with his studies. Its
hard to see green markers on white boards, he
said. Regan is typically able to make out the
color displayed on the board, but it all depends
on his location in the classroom. Being
situated closer to the front of the room allows
him to make a distinction between shades.

If all else fails, Regan resorts to
asking a classmate to distinguish colors for him.
When I see a color that I cant tell what it is,
it looks like it could be multiple colors. If its
like a dark blue or purple, it looks like it could
be either. If you were to tell me that its purple,
I would believe you. I could see it also being
blue, he said. High school studies are merely
one factor in the hindrance of colorblindness.

Answer: 74

NEEKA EGHBALI & NIKKI ORSOLINI

FEATURE EDITOR & DESIGNER