dyskromatopsia

Dyskromatopsia refers to a condition characterized by an abnormal perception of color, often resulting in difficulty distinguishing between certain hues. Unlike monochromatism, which involves a complete absence of color vision, dyskromatopsia typically affects only specific aspects of color perception, such as saturation, brightness, or the ability to differentiate between certain shades. This condition may be congenital or acquired, depending on its underlying cause.

Congenital dyskromatopsia is often associated with genetic mutations affecting the photopigments in cone cells of the retina, which are responsible for color vision. The most common form is red-green color blindness, where individuals struggle to distinguish between red and green shades due to deficiencies in the long- (L-) or medium-wavelength (M-) sensitive cone pigments. Other inherited forms include blue-yellow color blindness, caused by abnormalities in the short-wavelength (S-) cone pigments, and rare cases of complete color blindness (achromatopsia), where color vision is severely impaired or absent.

Acquired dyskromatopsia can result from various factors, including retinal diseases (such as macular degeneration or retinitis pigmentosa), optic nerve damage, or neurological conditions affecting the visual pathways. Medications, such as certain antibiotics or antipsychotics, may also induce temporary color vision changes. Additionally, aging-related changes in the lens (yellowing) can alter color perception, particularly in older adults.

Diagnosis typically involves color vision tests, such as the Ishihara plates or the Farnsworth-Munsell 100-Hue test, which assess an individual’s ability to distinguish between different colors. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include corrective lenses, low-vision aids, or addressing the root condition. In congenital cases, there is no cure, but adaptive strategies and color-enhancing technologies can help mitigate difficulties in daily life.