Dyschromatopsia
Type: Symptom
Definition
A significant impairment or total loss of the ability to distinguish different colors.
Clinical Details
The color-processing cone cells in the macula are highly dependent on the damaged nerve fibers to transmit their complex signals to the brain. As the optic neuropathy progresses, the ability to process specific wavelengths of light rapidly degrades. Patients typically experience a severe loss of red-green color discrimination first, eventually viewing the world in washed-out tones.