As the most common genetic disorder worldwide, colorblindness affects roughly 1 in 12 men and 1 in 200 women, the overwhelming majority of whom have trouble perceiving red and green. While this may be a minor inconvenience to some, being severely colorblind can taint seemingly ordinary experiences such as a enjoying a vivid sunset or picking out fresh produce. Colorblindness can even prevent some people from pursuing jobs where color vision is critical. With these grievances in mind, visionary researchers Maureen and Jay Neitz of the University of Washington have spent over a decade researching and developing a cure. Using a virus-based gene therapy and a group of highly trained monkeys, the Neitzes may have finally created a cure for the colorblindness blues.

Credits Produced by Luke Groskin

Music by Audio Network

Filmed by Ryan Hawk

Additional Stills and Vidoe by

Shutterstock , Jay and Maureen Neitz

“How the Eye Works” Prelinger Archives , Professor Hattnebach (CC 2.0),

Kristy H.A. Kang (C.C. 3.0), Pond5, Brian Przypek (CC 3.0)

EatTV (CC 3.0),

JazzLw (CC 3.0) and Luke Groskin