How do we perceive colour? Colour isn't actually in the world-it's in our minds. What we call "colour" is how our brains interpret different wavelengths of light. When light hits an object, some wavelengths are absorbed and others are reflected. The reflected ones enter our eyes, striking the light-sensitive cells in our retinas called cones. Humans have three types of cones, each tuned to red, green, or blue light. Colour vision deficiency occurs when one of these cones (usually red or green) is missing, or more commonly is not tuned properly. Our brains combine the input from these cones to create millions of shades and hues. But perception goes beyond biology-context and culture shape what we see. A grey square can appear lighter or darker depending on its surroundings, and some languages even divide the colour spectrum differently. Colour also carries emotion: red can signal danger or warmth, blue can calm or cool. So when you admire a sunset or choose an outfit, remember-you're not just seeing light. You're experiencing your brain's vivid translation of the world's invisible code Tony Ireland Evolve Optometry Shop G03, Village Centre, Batemans Bay | 4472 8080 www.evolveoptometry.com.au evolve OPTOMETRY 56848 How do we perceive colour ? Colour isn't actually in the world - it's in our minds . What we call " colour " is how our brains interpret different wavelengths of light . When light hits an object , some wavelengths are absorbed and others are reflected . The reflected ones enter our eyes , striking the light - sensitive cells in our retinas called cones . Humans have three types of cones , each tuned to red , green , or blue light . Colour vision deficiency occurs when one of these cones ( usually red or green ) is missing , or more commonly is not tuned properly . Our brains combine the input from these cones to create millions of shades and hues . But perception goes beyond biology - context and culture shape what we see . A grey square can appear lighter or darker depending on its surroundings , and some languages even divide the colour spectrum differently . Colour also carries emotion : red can signal danger or warmth , blue can calm or cool . So when you admire a sunset or choose an outfit , remember - you're not just seeing light . You're experiencing your brain's vivid translation of the world's invisible code Tony Ireland Evolve Optometry Shop G03 , Village Centre , Batemans Bay | 4472 8080 www.evolveoptometry.com.au evolve OPTOMETRY 56848