Color Blind Individuals Experience Color for the First Time

Researchers in Israel have conducted a trial using retinal gene therapy to treat complete color blindness, known as achromatopsia. The therapy involved inserting functional copies of a gene into cone cells in the retina. While the treated individuals did not experience a dramatic change in vision, they were able to faintly detect red color against a dark background. The participants described the perception of color as glowing differently or appearing on a different plane than the background. This study represents an important step towards restoring color vision in individuals with complete color blindness.