Why is it that the eyes never see in black and white - like the eye of the camera.?

Question

I have never heard where it is reported that someone's eyes just could not see colour. I am just curious. Is it possible for this to happen at all?

Answer 1

We have receptors in our retina that pick up colors. There are 3 types, one for red, one for blue, and one for green. When one or more of these are not functioning, one is called "colorblindness." In very rare cases 2 or 3 of these types of receptors do not function or are missing, this is called monochromacy. When all are missing, a person will see things in shades of grey (ie black and white), if they are able to see at all.