Eyes That Can See 100 Million Colors

Tetrachromacy Explained

While most people have three types of cone cells in their eyes, tetrachromats have four—enabling them to perceive up to 100 million distinct colors.

Mostly Found in Women

Tetrachromacy is typically found in women, due to how the gene for cone cells is inherited. Scientists estimate 1 in 100 women may have this ability.

Unseen Colors for the Rest of Us

Tetrachromats can see subtle shades that look identical to normal eyes—like 100 variations of white paint that others see as one.

Discovered by Accident

Some people lived their whole lives unaware of their super vision until scientific tests revealed they could detect extreme color differences; others couldn’t.

Not All 4-Coned Eyes Work Alike

Just having a fourth cone doesn’t guarantee tetrachromatic vision—the brain must also be able to interpret the added color signals.

Art Looks Wildly Different

Paintings, sunsets, and even fruit can appear hyper-detailed to tetrachromats, revealing color layers invisible to the average eye.

Still Being Studied

Tetrachromacy remains a mystery in many ways. Scientists continue researching how it works, how common it truly is, and whether it can be enhanced or replicated