Color blindness is a visual condition where a person has difficulty distinguishing certain colors. The most common type affects the ability to see red and green, making these colors appear similar. This condition is usually inherited and occurs when the cells in the eyes that detect color, called cones, do not function properly. People with color blindness may not realize they have it until they encounter situations where color differentiation is important, like reading traffic lights or choosing ripe fruits. While there is no cure, many adapt by using labels or technology to help them identify colors in their daily lives.