Intermittent Loss of Color Vision

Loss of vision can be a disturbing and frightening occurrence. If it is happening to your color vision in particular, it may indicate the presence of a number of different conditions, some of which are actually taking place in the eye.

Color Blindness

• Located in the retina of the eye, cones of three different variations determine our ability to see color. If there is a deformity or illness affecting one or all of them, your capacity to see color may be harmed. If the problem is intermittent, then it probably does not stem from birth and may be called an "acquired color vision deficiency."

Possible Disorders

• Two possible explanations for impaired color vision are cataracts and corneal edema. Cataracts develop over time, and often cause the lens to yellow. This change makes certain colors, particularly blues and yellows, more difficult to process. Corneal edema may result from allergies or wearing contacts. A sufferer from this might see periodic "halos or rainbows" around light sources which confuse the transmission of color.

Most Common Condition

• Age-related maculopathy (ARM) attacks the cones themselves. The disease cause drusen to appear which are "small yellowish waste deposits." The effects of ARM are also gradual, leading to a long-term deterioration in the ability to perceive color. This condition may affect more than one-fifth of all senior citizens and is one of the most prominent disorders which may eventually cause blindness.

Warning

• Remember that loss of vision may not be directly related to the eye but to processes elsewhere in your body. Immediately consult a physician upon experiencing any visual difficulties.