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PhrasesAt the OpticianSono daltonico.
A2

Sono daltonico.

I am colour blind.

Pronunciation

dal-TO-ni-ko — four syllables, stress on second. 'Daltonica' for female speaker. From 'John Dalton', the scientist.

When to use it

Inform an optician or ophthalmologist of colour blindness. Important for driving assessments and certain professions.

What it means

'Daltonico' = colour blind. The most common type: 'dicromazia rosso-verde' (red-green colour blindness) — difficulty distinguishing red and green. 'Test di Ishihara' (Ishihara test) is used for diagnosis. Colour blindness has no correction with glasses. 'EnChroma' lenses (special tinted glasses) can help some types but are not a cure. Important for driving test and some professions in Italy.

Variations

Non riesco a distinguere il rosso dal verde.

I cannot tell red from green.

Most common type of colour blindness — affects about 8% of Italian men

Il daltonismo è ereditario?

Is colour blindness hereditary?

Yes — X-linked recessive; affects men much more than women

Ci sono occhiali che correggono il daltonismo?

Are there glasses that correct colour blindness?

EnChroma and similar lenses improve colour perception for some types but cannot fully correct

Mini Dialogue

— Sono daltonico. Influisce sulla scelta delle lenti? — Non sulla prescrizione, no. Ma è utile saperlo. — Ho difficoltà con il rosso e il verde. — È la forma più comune. Ha problemi con i semafori? — Un po'. Mi aiuto con la posizione delle luci. — Capisco. Per alcuni lavori bisogna dichiararlo.

— I am colour blind. Does it affect the choice of lenses? — Not on the prescription, no. But it is useful to know. — I have difficulty with red and green. — It is the most common form. Do you have problems with traffic lights? — A bit. I use the position of the lights to help myself. — I understand. For some professions you need to declare it.

Cultural Note

Colour blindness affects about 8% of Italian men and 0.5% of Italian women. In Italy, daltonism ('daltonismo') is tested as part of the driving licence medical examination and some professional fitness tests. Italian pilots, train drivers, and some military roles have colour vision requirements. There is no medical treatment, but technology aids like 'EnChroma' lenses and smartphone apps help with colour identification. Italian awareness is growing due to media coverage.